Sudden aversion to cat flap!

[mildred37]

Our littlest cat (2yo F) has suddenly stopped using the cat flap. It started about 2 weeks ago - she was following us around the house crying and we couldn't figure out what was wrong, next thing we knew she'd done a large, watery poo on our sofa :( we couldn't figure out why she hadnt gone outside as she had access to the cat flap and had never done it before.

Now she will only use the cat flap to come in or out if we physically push her through it. We assume she is using it when we're not around as we haven't found any more poo or wee anywhere, but she now sits by the door, sometimes stretching up it until we either let her out or push her through the flap.

We can't figure out why she is suddenly not using it! We have another cat that has no problems with it, and otherwise she is a happy, stupid cat - in other words, her normal self!

[cozietoesie]

Sounds like she's had a bad experience with it and the likeliest explanation is that she's been hijacked just outside - say by some mean tom - so doesn't always want to go out in case she's beaten up again. Have you seen any stranger cats outside at all?

Have you got an inside tray for her to use instead - at least for a while?

[mildred37]

We've never had any other cats (that we know of); our garden is very enclosed with 6ft walls/fences. None of our neighbours have cats. It does make me wonder if she's had something happen to her though....poor thing :(

We've not put a tray down for her inside, but there is one right outside the back door that the flap is in (had some incidents with older cat when it snows/rains heavily that she wouldn't go outside to toilet...)

[cozietoesie]

I'd put one inside then. It would make her happier and might provide a useful transition back to being happy going out - means that she can take things at her own pace and stay in if she wants to.

Have you got a chip controlled flap that will only allow your two in ? (Just in case there's a mean tom out there.)

[mildred37]

Well she was outside when we went to bed last night - have come down and she's indoors so must have used the flap. No it's not a
Microchipped one, just a standard one with a 4 way lock.

This morning DH booted helped her go out through the flap, as she obviously wanted to get out; and ever since she's been happily playing in the garden being her normal stupid self. I just don't get it!!

[cozietoesie]

Likely, either she's been winding you up something dreadful or the perceived threat has gone. You know her best to judge which one.

[mildred37]

Little bugger is now sat crying outside the kitchen window....I'll be damned if I'm letting her in

[cozietoesie]

Bet you did in the end.

[QueenStromba]

Could it have closed on her tail or something? I've never had a cat flap so I don't really know how they work. Do you ever lock it? Maybe she went head first into it at speed when it was locked?

Whatever happened, I doubt pushing her through it will help her aversion. Could you prop it open and tempt her through with some dreamies or something?