Getting your cat used to a litter tray flap

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

Up until now, my two cats (who are 7 months old) have used an open litter tray. However, I’ve just bought them a new, larger one with a flap that I’d really like to keep (it’s much better for the smells!).

To start with, I removed the flap to let them get used to the new tray, but I’ve just put it back on. My female cat figured out how the flap works straight away, but the male (who’s a bit more of a scaredy-cat) hasn't, so he's started doing his business next to the tray instead...

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get him used to the flap??

I’ve already tried going with him when he heads to his tray to try and open the flap for him, but because he’s so timid, he won’t go in. I’ve also tried putting him in there (forcing it a little) and giving him a treat when he comes out on his own, but nothing seems to be working...

PS: The flap is transparent, so he isn't stuck in the dark when he’s inside.

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  • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    So I see it depends on the cat... well, I think I’ve no choice but to take the flap off! (Never mind the litter getting everywhere ^^)

    Sianaroche: You’re very lucky! I tried putting him in there too; he got out on his own but as he’s quite a nervous cat, it just scared him more than anything and now he won’t go back in by himself

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    P'titefleur
    P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French
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    At my place... there isn't even a lid... as I just use large storage tubs, which I've taken the wheels and other bits off. Plus, with my colony of cats, there’s never any odour and very little litter ends up outside because the sides are over 20cm high.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Well, I’ve been lucky then, as both of mine are doing brilliant. =) For me, it was more about the digging, because half the cat litter would end up all over the floor every time... ^^
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Mine never got used to them, we had to take the doors off!
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    P'titefleur
    P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French
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    I tried those too... mine came right back out straight away... and they wouldn't go in on their own anyway... I use large storage boxes so the big cats are perfectly comfortable... and as Ange says... good dry food and good litter and there's no problem... and even with my colony of cats... no smells at all!!!!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I just popped the cat in, and if he wants to get out, well, he just pushes the door. After two or three goes, they've pretty much got the hang of it. ^^

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Good quality litter and a proper diet are the key to a litter tray that doesn't smell bad.
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    P'titefleur
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    All you need is a good clumping litter and there's hardly any odour left... I get Golden Grey Master from Zooplus and it's brilliant.

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    P'titefleur
    P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French
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    Some cats just never get used to the flap... and it can put them off so much that they end up going right next to the tray... or just anywhere else outside of it...

    Whenever I’m cat-sitting and a puss comes to stay... with a hooded litter tray with a flap... mine just won't go near it... no chance...

    Translated from French
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