Cat Flap Training - Some Pointers For Success

By Mary Telford

Kittens are so cute, everyone loves them. Sooner or later, they need to learn how to use the cat flap. Then it is time for cat flap training. This guide will tell you just how easy it is - you won't believe it.

First thing to take note is that the cat cannot be too young. A kitten cannot be expected to learn to go through a cat flap on its own anymore than you would expect a toddle to learn to open the door by him or herself. The kitten should be well weaned and confident both inside and (more importantly) outside of the house before beginning cat flap training. If the kitten is not confident outside the house then there is no way you will get him or her to use the cat flap!

You will need two of you to do this and you will need to set aside 20 minutes or more. One person is to kneel on either side of the cat flap.

At all times BE GENTLE with your cat. You DO NOT want to scare him or her.

One person is to gently push the cat through the cat flap to the other person. The second person is to then turn the cat around and gently push him or her back to the first person.

Remember: The keyword is GENTLE

Repeat this process for about 20 minutes. Yes, I know this sounds tedious and will take patience for the both the humans and the cat. But if done correctly, this will be sufficient for your cat to learn how to use the cat flap.

So there it is: Cat flap training in under 20 minutes. Yes, boring - but effective and in under only 20 minutes.

Mary works part time in a pet motel near her home in NSW, Australia. Want more detailed information on cat flap training or other training methods for cats why not read this guide to see how easy it really is.