I have two cats who are now ten months old but they don't seem to be able to use the cat flap, when they were first allowed out, it was summer so the kitchen door was open and they never had to use the cat flap. Now the door is shut they'll only come in, or go out, if the cat flap is held open for them so I'd be grateful for any ideas as to how I can train them to use it themselves - I've never had this problem with any of the other cats I've owned.

Teaching a cat to use a cat flap seems very hard at first cause it's new to them. But you'd be suprised how quick they can learn. With all my cats we've had to teach them to use is and we'll be doing it again soon when we let out our new cat.

The key is to be patient and not to force them. Couple times a day spend about 20mins teaching them to use it. Simply bring them to the flap and open it, but before they try to jump out shut it and put their paw against it and push it open. This will teach them that they can push it open with little strengh. Or slowly pick them up and push there whole body (head first though) towards the flap, but dont use force if they dont wanna do it just let them go. Or when they wanna go out, stand outside trying to coax them out with treats or something.

Cats tend to pick it up quick, dont be put off if they struggle to. You gotta be patient. My cats normally tend to pick it up 2-5days.

Start by propping it open so they get used to going through it. Then let it shut but without the magnetic strip. Finally when they are happily going in and out when it's dead easy to open, put the strip back on - it has to go the right way round - and possibly encourage them with a treat to push and let themselves in or out. My two younger cats learnt by watching my old boy, but if you don't have a cat to show them the ropes...

I know the feeling OP, we had the same problem this year when trying to teach our cat to go in and out of her cat flap!!!

The best advice I had is don't give in, keep trying, they will get used to it. Try holding the flap open so they get used to going in and out. We found the problem was our cat didn't like pushing the flap open with her face, she kept trying to use her paw!!!

When they cry at the door, carry them to the flap, and sit with them, encourage them to use it. It does take a few days, but its worth it in the end, but keep it up, and once they are used to the cat flap, don't go back to opening doors!!! Good Luck

They will learn quite quickly as has been mentioned.

Myself and a friend gently passed my cat back and forth a few times through the cat flap, maybe try that and put its grub on the other side for its solo as an incentive

I start with in so that I know they can get in. I put them out in the morning before feeding and close the door then open the flap and let them sniff the food or lick it. I then close the flap and call them showing the bowl. If they still don't come in I walk out of sight and they usually come in after they tire of asking to open the door. Sometimes I think its just laziness with cats lol.

I had too block mine off. Guinness used too ram raid it all the time. He could get out but couldnt get back in. Not because he couldnt it was lower outside then inside and didnt have anything too pull him self up too get through. He could open it even when it was locked, Its now taped shut on the outside and inside too

Hi, many thanks for your replies, I've put a small wooden box outside so it's easier to reach the cat flap and they're now happy to go in and out when it's propped open, the problem is they don't like pushing it open themselves so I'm going to try all your suggestions today .... I think you're right missyalicia I'm sure they can do it but they're lazy, why should they do it themselves when they have an owner to do it for them .... but not for much longer

Haha I was leaving the door open a crack but I forgot one day and they were in the flap
like a shot when they heard dinner being served. They certainly have us well trained!