Training Kitten to use cat flap

[Bert2025]

We installed a microchip cat flap about a week ago for our six month old British Shorthair. He uses it when it is taped open and he is encouraged to but still prefers his door(wo)man to open the door for him. Any tips on how to get him to use it by himself would be most appreciated! He doesn’t seem to like pushing it with his head. I have done using a treat to coax him through - is it just a case of continuing with that until he gets used to it?

Also, wondering whether to let him go out at night as he gets older and also while we are at work. He has a tracker and tends to stick near to the house but it is a bit of a worry. Thank you for reading.

If you keep opening the door, he will keep expecting you to open the door!

It's really up to you if you let him have 24/7 outdoor access, I always have with previous (sensible) cats, but latest (not sensible) has a curfew which works well.

Thank you for replying. I have stopped opening the door for him, just ‘indicate’ the cat flap! He seems to be getting better at it but doesn’t like to push it open. We will keep trying. I will get some ‘high value’ food like ham or chicken to tempt him on the other side and he might miraculously be able to yo do it. He’s so funny.

Think we will keep him in at night still. Too many foxes and he’s still little. Didn’t think I would love a cat this much.

I gently fed our kitten through the cat flap, head first. He didn't realise that pushing it with his head would make it work, so I had to show him that sensation had the effect of opening the cat flap. He wasn't the brightest but he got the message and used the flap after that.