Changed cat flap - cat now won't use it. Help

[MEgirl]

I have the dumbest cat in the world. I've always insisted he isn't so dumb despite my kids insisting he is. I've now changed my mind.

The rubber seal on our Staywell flap came off a few years ago and has been flapping backwards and forwards in the wind and letting in a lot of cold air. Apollo (the not so little darling) has been going in and out of this flap quite happily.

Yesterday I swapped out the broken flap for a newish one (had been installed in a previous house) with a working seal and the lovely Apollo now won't use the flap on his own. He sits in front of it staring at me. He'll finish slithering out if I partially push him through but I can't convince him to push the flap with his nose or even a paw to open it himself. He's also rather sit outside in the freezing garden than come back in through the flap.

I'm tempted to just leave him outside but then I worry he'll freeze. Or if he's inside he'll end up toileting somewhere in the house.

How do I get him to use the new flap?

Was it previously used by a different cat? If it has another cat's scent on it, it might be putting Apollo off - you'll need to wash it with an enzyme cleanser, such as the type for cleaning up pet wee.

It hasn't been used in 12 years. Been in the shed up until yesterday.

I’d post him through a couple of times but I’m mean. Alternatively a tin of tuna as an enticement?

Firstly move a cushion close to the new flap then sit on it and work from home or resign from your job so that you are on the cushion all the time ready to manually operate the flap when your overlord wants to go out.

what did work was me flicking the flap so that it swung when my cat sat in front of it then posting him through it. It took ages but eventually my cat had a go himself. You are up against it in winter.

He’ll get used to it.

Alternatively a tin of tuna as an enticement?

Ha, I wish. I've never seen a cat less interested in tuna than this one.

Fingers crossed.

Firstly move a cushion close to the new flap then sit on it and work from home or resign from your job so that you are on the cushion all the time ready to manually operate the flap when your overlord wants to go out.

Part of the problem is that I'm at home a lot of the time. So the little git sits next to the back door and moans at me until I sympathise and open it for him. Manual operation of the flap has already taken place. A stiffer lip and some alcohol are probably on the cards to solve the problem.

Did you have your masters permission before you took away his door. He will come around but I reckon he is making a point. Furry demons 😹

Yes he is letting you know.

alcohol, cake, tea and blankets to keep you warm while the wind whistles through the swinging flap as you demonstrate what needs to be done are all essential.

Obviously you need to tie the flap open to allow him access . Weather forecast says it’s going to warm up a bit next week.

I have so far put off showing new cat how the cat flap works, so far he thinks only people can open the door, I don’t want to pass so much power on to him, he has already got the rest of the house organised to his comfort.

It was a veritable ice block in the utility room last night. No way I was going to play his game at midnight. He got shoved through the flap.

If he doesn't get his act together soon he's going to become an indoor cat and will have to suffer the idignities of a litter tray. I can't belive he would rather that than have the whole outdoors at his disposal.

Roll on the warmer weather when I can tape it open for a while and hope we don't get any non family visitors. I suppose the upside is that at least he won't bring any rodents in at the moment.

I also have a very dumb cat.

I had to gently post him through his new cat flap a few times till he got the hang of it himself.

He still miows for me to open the door for him if I'm in the room but will use the flap now if a human slave is not around.