We adopted a rescue cat about 6 weeks ago. She's settled really well and has been going outside for about 3 weeks. The only issue we've had is that she just can't seem to use the catflap. I am out at work all day 3 days per week and she's been stuck indoors. She will go through the hole if it's open, even if it's only pegged open an inch or two, but if it's closed she won't even attempt to get through. I don't really want to leave it taped open now the weather is colder. I've tried putting her food on the other side but she just miaows.
She's quite young still, only a year or so and enjoys being outside. I'm worried she'll be unhappy if she's indoors 3 days a week, although she does go out for a bit before I leave and when I get home. I've noticed she's prone to biting on evenings when she's been indoors much of the day.
My last rescue cat had always lived indoors until we got her, but she mastered the catflap immediately. I've not come across a cat who won't use one before. Has anyone managed to train their refuser to use the catflap?