How to Train a Cat to Use a Cat Door
Train a Cat to Do Something? Really?
If a cat owns you, then you understand the definition of “cattitude”. Whether turning their nose up at premium cat food, ignoring your pleas for cuddle time or sitting on your chest at 4:00 AM for no reason, cats have a well-earned reputation of refusing to do anything their humans want them to do, even when said humans ask as politely and nicely as possible.
So how do you train even the most stubborn cat to use a cat door for door types such as sliding glass doors, dutch doors or any other kind of door through which you let your cat out? Believe it or not, it is entirely doable.
Things You Need to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Door
- Plenty of cat treats (not the cat’s usual food but something special like freshly cooked chicken or turkey chunks)
- A laser pointer or fishing-pole toy for cats
- Time
- Patience
To be fair, some cats do not need to be trained to use a cat door so you may not need any of these things. Just show your cat how the flap opens up into the great outdoors and see what happens next. If your cat exhibits confusion, fear or cattitude, a training program is in you and your cat’s future.
3 Ways to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Door
1. Prop Open the Flap
Let your cat go in and out without needing to push the flap open for a day or so. Prop the flap open with a piece of duct tape and sit outside in front of the open flap with a treat to encourage your cat to use the door. Laser pointers work well to activate cats who are unsure about stepping through the unfamiliar flap.
2. Install the Cat Door Properly
Measure the inches from the floor to your cat’s belly. If it is five inches, then install the cat door five inches up from the bottom of the door. Your cat should have a clear view of what’s outside the cat door as soon as they push open the door.
3. Provide a “Safe” Space Outside the Cat Door
Cats love to hide in boxes, enclosed cat beds, drawers and anything else that makes them feel safe. If your cat readily comes through the cat door into your home but resists going out the door, it could be the area just outside the cat door is too open. Try arranging some potted plants or small patio chairs outside the cat door to make your cat feel less vulnerable to unknown dangers lurking in open spaces. Cats may be considered “domesticated” pets, but they are still the most instinct-driven domesticated pet!
Tips for Buying a Cat Door for Different Door Types
Ask yourself these questions when researching cat doors:
- Is the cat door energy efficient? Does it come with weather-tight seals and framing to prevent energy loss?
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Is a security panel provided to prevent cats from wandering in or out when you don’t want to?
Visit Pet Door Products in Salt Lake City, Utah Today
Pet Door Products offers these exceptional specifications and more on all cat and dog doors. We are also proud to donate five percent of all proceeds to the Humane Society of Utah. Check out our great selection of cat doors today by browsing our website: Pet Door Products.
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