what am i doing wrong?

[cheetara]

Ive recently had a cat flap fitted 3 months ago and i realised both my kitties wouldnt use it unless i taped the door open but, in the uk in winter it gets a little chilly (alot chilly) so ive been trying to train them both to just go through the flap with treats and one of them uses it no problem, then one day i left the house with them both outside forgetting i hadnt left the flap open so upon rushing home hours later i come home to find them both inside! EUREKA!
so i leave the flap shut from now on. yesterday i wake up to hear they both have left the house no problem (catflap down) then later at dinner time i call them both in and only knuckles comes in and otis just sits there at the door crying! (he loves food so much) so i leave him because i know he can use the flap because i have witnessed it a couple times. an hour later he finally comes in... sulking (so he obvs knows how to use the ruddy flap) but i feel guilty...
tonight, same goes but it starts pouring down with rain! so i have to let the dunderhead in manually because i dont want my baby to be sad... and i dont want to be that cruel mistress...
what am i doing wrong?? is he being stubborn or am i being cruel?

[Crewella]

I don't have a cat flap, so can't be of much help. I did wonder, though, at times like tonight when he was out in the rain, would he come in through the flap if you held it open for him? Or is that what you mean by letting him in manually?

[meriad]

hmm, I'm probably not the best person to reply as I've had my cat flaps propped open for nearly 2 years now because my 'latest' addition to the furry household - Henry - just won't get the hang of it.

But if Otis has gone in and out on his own, then I'd be tempted to keep the flap shut and see how he gets on with it. He obviously does know what it's for but is just having a daft / lazy moment. But I agree, if it's pouring with rain then I'd also go and open the door

Do you have anywhere to put an outdoor shelter for them? I've got a few of these in the garden: http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_ ... oor/278229" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. My lot love it, esp the top balcony bit. I just don't have the flap on mine

[Kay]

Could it be a case of flap blocking, as there are two of them? When my Tiffany is outside Tosker sometimes will sit in the kitchen right in front of the flap so she can't get in, and I have to shoosh him away and open the door for her, so she can see clearly the threat has gone