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My cat won't push the microchip cat flap. How can I train them?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 years and 8 months old
We've had a cat flap for a while but the cats will only use it when the flap is tied open. We really want to encourage use as it's synced to chips not allowing in other animals. How can we get them to use this themselves? We have tried treats, shutting them out etc.
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 2, 2017
This is tricky! Since they are willing to use the flap when it is full open, try to tie it so that it is open a little less every day. Animals tend to adapt best to gradual changes. Consider even feeding them just outside of the flap (supervised so you aren't feeding the neighborhood!) once in awhile to encourage them to go out without as much direct coaxing. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful