of the door and another piece on the frame. When it is closed, the magnetic force keeps the door shut.My cats were very timid in pushing on the doors when they were first installed. They knew they could go through them after I pushed the doors open, but they were too gentle with their heads to push the doors open themselves. So I took out the magnet initially and put it back after they got used to the doors. Don't know your cat door is kept shut. You may need somehow make it easier for the cat to open it nudging with its nose and head at the beginning.It seems you and the cat are almost there...