9
TRAINING YOUR CAT TO USE YOUR PETSAFE
®
CAT FLAP
Most cats will learn to use your cat flap almost at once but there are a
few which may be a little nervous at first. The following tips, provided by
a well-known consultant in animal behavior, will help your pet to take full
advantage of the outdoor freedom and indoor comfort – which you want
for your cat – and which your new pet door provides.
The most important rule is to be patient with your cat. Don’t be in a hurry.
Let your animal work out for itself that it can go in and out of doors. Don’t
force it through the flap or it may become frightened.
Many cat owners install pet doors when they move. If this applies to you,
make sure your
animal is familiar
with his or her
surroundings before
you fit the pet door.
Take it on
supervised trips
outdoors on a leash,
and make sure it
also feels secure
and comfortable in
its new indoor
environment. Cats
can develop long-
lasting fears in
unfamiliar
surroundings.
Once you have installed your pet door leave it propped open for some
time. You can do this with a piece of wood or by attaching a clothes peg
to the top of one side of the flap, while it is open. Make sure that the
fixing is secure so that the flaps cannot fall down accidentally. Let your
cat become familiar with it and go in and out freely.
Establish a motive for your cat to use the door. The obvious one is food.
First feed the cat near the door, inside and then near the door outside.
Repeat as often as you need to. Most cats, especially kittens, also have a
strong urge for freedom, perhaps to hunt. Cats are also social creatures –
they enjoy the company of other cats. This can be another reason for
them to explore outside.
It is a good idea
not to use the lock
for your pet door
until your cat is
thoroughly familiar
with using the
door. Your cat may
become confused
as to why you
have installed it.
