How to Train Your Cat to Use a Pet Door
For pet owners who allow their cats to go outside, it can become quite the chore letting your feline family member in and out whenever they have the urge. A much easier solution is to invest in a quality cat door to give them the freedom to come and go as they want without you having to let them in and out constantly.
There are all different types of cat doors you can choose from, including:
- Cat Flaps – This is the most basic type of pet door that has a flap.
- Microchip Doors – These dog and cat doors use your cat’s microchip in her collar to open the door when they want outside or back in. The rest of the time, the door remains securely locked.
- Wall Doors – These doors are perfect for wall installations to provide your cat access to the outdoors.
- Locking Flap Doors – These doors are similar to cat flaps, except the flap can be locked to stop your cat from going outside when you want them to remain indoors.
No matter what type of cat door you select, you will need to teach your cat how to use it if you want them to be more independent, by using these great tips:
#1: Allow them to observe and explore their new pet door.
Take the new cat door out of its box and just place it on the floor. Give your cat time to check out the door, put their scent on it, and experiment with the door opening. Sometimes this is all that is needed to get your cat ready to use the cat door once you install it.
#2: Place a few of their favourite toys around the door.
Another option you can try before installing the door is to place some of their toys around the door that already has their scent on them. This can help your cat realise the door is for them.
#3: Remove the flap from the door temporarily.
To get them used to going through the door, you can remove the flap temporarily. Once they are going through it without hesitation, put the flap back on the door and see if they continue to go through it.
#4: Prop the flap open.
If your pet door does not have a removable flap, you can always prop the flap open to help them adjust to their new door.
#5: Reward your cat with words of praise and a treat.
When your cat goes through the door on their own and pushes the flap out of their way, make sure to praise them and shower them with their favourite treat. By rewarding them, they will know going through the door is an acceptable behaviour.
#6: Never force your cat through the door.
One of the worst things you can do when training your cat to use their new pet door is to push them through the door. This will undo any positive training they have already accomplished and make them afraid of using the door.
#7: Go outside so your cat can see you.
Instead of letting your cat outside through the regular door, go outside where your cat can see you. You may need to hold the cat flap open for solid doors or wall installations. If they come out on their own, reward them.
#8: Never lock the door when it is new.
Unless you purchased a microchip door, you want to make sure the door is unlocked at all times when teaching your cat to use the door. If they discover it is locked, they may revert and not want to use it. With microchip doors, it will take some time for them to get used to the clicking sound and the door unlocking.
#9: Be patient with your feline family member.
The most important thing to remember is to be patient with your cat while they get used to their new pet door, especially if you have an older cat.
By using these tips, it will only be a matter of time before your cat loves their new pet door and the freedom it provides them.
For help finding the perfect cat door in the correct size with the right features, please feel free to explore our online store or contact Australia Pet Doors at +61-437-644-330 today!