Help with cat flap traing

**caranjoy** · 15th March 2012, 08:20 PM

We have two 8 month old kittens Max and Lizzie , A few hours after installing the cat flap and showing them how to use it Lizzie was using it without any problems in fact it was like a new toy to her Max on the other hand has not got a clue . If we open the flap up for him he is out like a shot ,we have played with his toys passing them in and out he just stares in complete bemusement Lizzie fed up with being outside by herself has tried showing him which was a fascinating sight her pushing the flap open slightly with her paw waiting for him to do the rest , even she has given up :( With spring just around the corner Lizzie will be spending all her time outside enjoying the fresh air whilst Max paces the window watching her . Has anybody any hints ?

**Caternity Leave** · 15th March 2012, 08:44 PM

Fresh prawns. Prawns work every time.

Other than that you could hold the flap open with string until he is coming and going and gradually lengthen the string until he gets used to the feeling of the flap on his head, back and tail and the need to push. It might take some patience and persistence over a few days.

**caranjoy** · 15th March 2012, 09:01 PM

Thank you I will try that

**cooncatbob** · 15th March 2012, 09:13 PM

While Girl MCC are quite bright many of the Boys are rather dim.

**Musicalife** · 16th March 2012, 12:05 AM

We have a flap into the pen and all our cats will go out through it, but two refuse point blank to come back in the same way. Willow even went to sleep on a ledge the other day when it was cold and windy, rather than pushing through. I opened the human door and she was in like a shot.

**jckkerrison** · 16th March 2012, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by cooncatbob

While Girl MCC are quite bright many of the Boys are rather dim.

I would always have agreed with this cooncatbob but would you believe my Ruby is bucking the trend,I have had no problems with getting any of the others to use the flap going either way to the pen,a couple of times encouraging them & they have used it but a certain little girl will come in from the pen but will she go out,not on your life we have tried every way possible,her tummy & food are vert attatched but even that won't do it flap up or flap down she just stands & yowls this horrendous noise, she will stand at the hatch looking she will even go part way but then a little head doubles back again,we have been trying for a while now so today every time she goes near it I am going over & "helping"her through it with lots of good girls & seeing if we will have a breakthrough not holding my breath though & already the old knees are complaing when I go down on the floor & the back complains when I stand up{oh the joys of getting older} but going to keep doing it,can not believe that a girl is letting me down like this,come on Max & Ruby lets see who is first to crack this one....x

**caranjoy** · 19th March 2012, 05:54 PM

I will put money on Ruby !!!! We spent the whole weekend trying different things ,Max just stares I think he gets more fun watching us act the fool

**jckkerrison** · 19th March 2012, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by caranjoy

I will put money on Ruby !!!! We spent the whole weekend trying different things ,Max just stares I think he gets more fun watching us act the fool

I also spent a good amount of time on my knees putting Ruby through the flap,she didn't voluntary go out but after pushing her through once again she did actually use the tray outside so waited until she came in told her how good she was & gave her treats & she walked over to the flap again & I thought yep cracked it she is going to go out & come back in so she gets more treats,bang,balloon popped took one look & walked away,she is going to the cattery over Easter & they have to go through flap to get to the trays so could be fun. Perhaps we should let Max & Ruby meet up so they can discuss all the strange things that their parents seem to be doing at the moment......