Changed the Catflap: how long before he uses it!?

[Moln]

I just changed to a Sureflap (Tom cat poking head through previous cat flap). I've only just changed it, my cat was outside when I did and when he came back put his head in and pushed it open slightly but then retreated. (Already registered his microchip before fitting.)

He's in now as I opened to door to put the screwdrivers away in the shed. Now I had a bit of hassle screwing the screws in so I'm a tiny bit wound up so can appreciate I'm a little uptight.

But that normal isn't it, it's new he's cautious but he'll use it won't he?

[cozietoesie]

He should do fairly quickly. I seem to recall some posters saying, however, that their cats were initially a little disconcerted by the 'click' of chip recognition so they did some very temporary taping/ deactivation to ease transition for a very short while. Keep an eye on this thread and I'm sure other people will tell you of their experiences.

[sandrapanda]

We had our sureflap installed last Tuesday and it's taken till today for him to use it independently. We used to open the flap fully for him manually and he would happily come through it but as soon as we dropped the flap as he went through he would retreat. Today me and my dd just encouraged him through the flap by showing him his food and he eventually pushed it open with his head and came through. We're hoping he has cracked it!

[Moln]

Ok so probably he's just being tentative. On the bright side the blooming Tom cat can't get in!

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

I want a Sureflap as we have a random cat come in every bloody night. Are they meant to be reliable long term?

[cozietoesie]

I think most posters have found them to be reliable. Excellent after-sale services also it seems.

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

Thanks, I need to get my cat chipped.

[Moln]

Well he's gone out but is now sitting outside just looking in!!

[Seawig]

I taped mine open for 24 hours so they got used to the click noise as they went in and out. After that no problem at all and has kept out some determined local cats so they are both very relaxed in the house.

[Moln]

Might try taping as I've to go to work now.

He only went out because I held it open!!! I think it's the tunnel too that bothers him, the last one was very narrow .

[TimeIhadaNameChange]

My cat wasn't used to using a catflap at all when I installed the sureflap, so not sure if this is OTT, but what I did was use a clothes-peg to keep the door open for the first few days. When I was out it would be open all the way, then in the evening I'd lower it slightly, but swing it in or out depending which side she was (if that makes sense). Over the evenings I'd move the peg lower, then finally I closed it when she was around near me and used treats to tempt her through. She was crafty though - at first she'd only stretch her head through as far as she neeeded to go! And then she was convinced it would only work if there were treats on the other side of the door! But we got there in the end, and she now trots in and out as the pro she is, and the local toms can no longer come in to spray. Result!

[Moln]

That's not a bad idea time

He went out this morning; spent time with me opening it then him pushing it a bit with his paw or head only going out after I partially opened it for him. He was outside when I left for work and when I came home this afternoon he was sat on the window ledge and jumped down when he saw me and looked mournfully at me through the Sureflap. I pushed it opened and he came in (first time coming in through it)

As it's only day 3 I'm hoping it'll eventually figure it out!!

[cozietoesie]

Sounds as if your training is progressing satisfactorily.

[Moln]

Well hopefully. Just helped him go out again. Far less hesitant this morning. No retreat when it clicked putting his head in

If I recall rightly it was the exact same first time we got a cat flap.

[cozietoesie]

Actually, I meant his training of you!

[Moln]

Hmmmmmm

[Moln]

Though in all seriousness I am aware that it could end up like that!! I am making sure each time I push it open it's a little less open.

[TimeIhadaNameChange]

I'd honestly try with the peg. Means you don't have to be there each time. Just make sure it's totally up when you're not around (so he can get through either direction) but then adjust it for when you're in the house.

And treats. Lots of treats!!!

[Moln]

I was all set with the peg but came home yesterday to find him inside. Yeah!!

He is still looking expectantly for the door to be opened for him if he spots me though.

[cozietoesie]

Of course.