They make cat doors that are similar to dog doors. The problem is that your cat or dog will use this door, eventually. Some cats don’t much care for the cat door but if you want to have a more independent indoor and outdoor cat, then you’ll want to read this to learn how to train your cat to use a cat door.
Change is hard so you’ll want to take these steps to get your feline friend used to the cat door, how it works and what it looks like. Some cats will be skittish of the cat door at first, but use these steps to get your cat properly acquainted with their new house door.
Introduce The Door
The first step after you have installed a cat door is to introduce the cat to your door. Give your kitty a chance to explore the door. They may rub against it or touch it with their paw, etc. Allow your cat to get comfortable with the door before attempting to show them how to go out of it!
Rub their Scent on It
Another way to help your cat get used to its cat door is to rub its scent on it. Let your cat rub against the cat door. You can even pet your cat and snuggle with them then touch the cat door and continue to do so. This will help your cat recognize that the cat door smells like them, therefore, is there to use.
Leave the Flap Open
Another way to get your cat used to the cat door is to leave the flap part open. This will help your cat get used to going in and out using the “hole” of the cat door, and eventually, you can put the flap down so that they can use the cat door properly.
Use a Cat Toy
Lastly, you can hang a cat toy on or near the door so that your cat is apt to pay with it near the door. They may slip out of the door from time to time while playing which will soon teach them that the door is their friend and open for use by them anytime they want to venture outside.
Getting your cat to use the cat door will be easier for some cats and harder for others. If you have a particularly stubborn or skittish kitty then chances are you’ll need to take a bit longer helping your cat get used to their cat door.
Just have patience and continue to try new options to get your cat comfortable using the cat door. We promise that your cat will eventually get comfortable using this door.