Cats won't use new catflap

[dementedpixie]

Any tips on catflap training? We got it fitted in the front door (in fact we got a new bloody door complete with catflap) and they have only used it sporadically to go out. This is them at the back door wanting in rather than let themselves in! How can we get them to use it? Wanted them proficient as we go on holiday at the weekend and have a cat sitter booked to come twice a day. Didn't want them to be trapped in for 2 weeks but may have no choice

Prop open by 1cm and place their favourite treats the other side.

Never ever open the door for them. They are not very bright and will not learn if the easier option is made available. If they are sitting at the back door then maximum you could do to help should be going out the front door, go round the back and herd (!) or carry them round to the front and physically insert them through the cat flap before opening the door for yourself. If their choice is to use the flap of their own volition or use the same flap with less dignity and autonomy they will choose the former.

Why the front door? It's much more dangerous for the cats at the front of the house, and also risky as burglars can use it to break in...

Propping it open to begin with would be good for training them but again, it's also propping it open for potential burglars...

Because our back door is a sliding glass one so trickier to fit one. The front door also has a roof bit over so it's more sheltered.

Not sure I can help we have just fitted a pet safe flap as we have 1 indoor and 1 outdoor cat, my old girl will not use this and it has been 2 weeks!! Your cats are gorgeous by the way.

Your cats are not impressed with the flap, and are trying to train their staff in door opening duties.
This will be a battle of wills. I suspect the cats will win, but if you want any chance at all, then don’t open the door. Ever.
Put catnip just inside the flap or smear it around the frame. Each time the cats use the flap, give praise and a treat, or a short burst of their favourite game. Be prepared for the long haul.
My own cat will only use her flap if I’m out, asleep, or have ignored her rapping imperiously on the glass door!

So the flap is on the front door... and they want to come in the back... you can see the mistake, can't you? 😁

Can you pay a handyman to fit one in the glass door?

It would need a full glass panel rather than being able to cut into the existing one. Training is not going that well tbh, think they are winning! Doesn't help it's 30 degrees here today and I don't want to sit with all the windows and doors shut