To give your cat easy outdoor access, and to avoid you having to perform door-person duties ad infinitum, I would recommend installing a cat flap. Specifically, the microchip variety. By programming the cat flap with your cat’s unique microchip number, you will ensure that only your cat is allowed entry and exit. This denies any old tom, dick or harry cat that happens to be passing, the opportunity to pop in and terrorise your cat whilst stealing his food.
To help train your cat to use a cat flap, first get your cat used to moving through a hole. To do this you can use an upturned cardboard box with a square cat-sized hole cut in the side. Throw a treat or toy through the hole and once he’s inside, place another treat or toy outside to encourage your cat to jump out. When he is happy doing this, replace the cardboard box with another that has three sides of a square cut into the side to form a flap. Place a treat or toy through the flap into the box. When your cat is in the box, call him out with another treat or toy, or trail a feather through the opening. When he is used to going through the flap to get in and out of the box you can start training on the actual cat flap.
PHASE 1 is to get your cat used to going through the cat flap prior to its installation and with the door propped open using the same method as with the cardboard box. Some cat flaps make a clicking noise as the latch is retracted, so it’s a good idea to desensitize cats to this sound by finding something that imitates it such as a pen, and clicking this as they pass through the open door. You can also give a treat as you click the pen. When your cat is has got the hang of going through the cat flap it’s time for the next phase.
PHASE 2 starts when the cat flap is installed. Firstly, prop the door open and reward your cat for any investigative behaviour around the cat flap. You might need to lure him by dangling a wand toy in front of it or placing treats around the opening. Once he’s comfortable eating or retrieving a toy from the opening, you can teach him that it’s a pleasant experience to actually move through it to get outside. You can toss treats or drag a toy t
