How long did your cat take to understand a cat flap, and any tips?

[largeprintagathachristie]

So. I have installed a catflap for my recently adopted cat.
At first I taped it open and he soon got good at coming in and out.

Next stage is for him to realise that he can go though the plastic flap. I can tell he thinks it is “closed.”

Have tried with me on the other side with dreamies, but no dice.

DP is working away this week so I can’t have one person each side.

did try “posting” the dreamies from the inside to the outside and lifting the flap up for him a bit - he did hop through but I don’t think he “got” it.

It’s a chip cat flap but I haven’t put the batteries in yet or recorded his chip as I thought we should do basic training first.

the cat needs to be using it confidently within 10 days as well be away for a week and a friend is coming round to feed and cuddle (but not let in and out).

He was a stray (not the friend) and has a strong drive to access outside. But at the moment thinks the flap of the catflap is a barrier.

I have the same thing with my rescue spaniel and the dog flap. She'll go through it if I hold it open, but not otherwise. I've had her a year, and still no joy.

I can't comment on cats but my elderly rescue dog had her dog flap nailed within an hour of me bringing her home. The dog treats I waved on the other side probably helped!

With one I just showed him the instructions and he went out through it straight away.

Another flap and another cat was one of those chip reading ones so we had to push his head through it three or for times, which he didn’t really appreciate, so it could learn his chip code. He used it straight way after that.

"I just showed him the instructions"

I can't breathe.

You posted his head a few times. Just his head.

😂😂😂😂😂

Our cat has mastered coming in but not going out when it’s exactly the same