How can I train my cat to NOT use the dog door?

Question

My cat is an indoor cat only, because he is declawed and I feel that it's safer for him. He's recently discovered the dog door however, and has been using it constantly when I'm not looking. I worry a lot because we live in coyote country. My younger cat has not exhibited any interest in going outside yet. I've tried the spraying water method for whenever I see him go near it, but it hasn't worked. Any advice?

Answer 1

the water method is really your only healthy way to deal with such a situation.

Answer 2

Cats are pretty independent creatures. I'd guess that it would be easier to train the dog to lock the door when going through it than to try to train the cat. The problem, of course, is that indoor cats are always attracted to the outdoors and quickly learn the routes to get there. He's not likely to ignore the door as he knows what's on the other side. Can you place an object in front of the door to block it? If you have a dog, is there another way t o manage that without the dog having to use the dog door?

Answer 3

You stand a better chance of teaching your dog to drive, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. Google "Automatic Dog Door" or "Racoon Proof Dog Door". These are dog doors that have a sensor that only permit the door to open when a tag on the dog's collar is within 1-2 feet of the door. The cat, not having a tag, will find a locked door. Now, this won't prevent the dog & cat from collaborating an escape together and if it does happen the cat may be locked outside, but it will certainly make escape more difficult.

Answer 4

The only solution I see is losing the doggy door. There's no way to rig it so the dog can get out but not the cat...I have heard of electronic locking doors that have a sensor on your dog's collar so the dog can use the door but not the wildlife, but have no idea where you would find such a thing. I can also see the cats learning to follow the dog out when the dog opens the door even if you could find this kind of door.

Answer 5

You can't train a cat not to use a dog door -- it is a wonderful portal to birds and bugs and everything else they would dearly love to pounce on. It is also instinctual for them to explore any new area that they can get at. Cats are very smart, and they know when you are distracted and it is a good time to sneak out. Expect your younger one to pick up this behavior soon too (heard the phrase "copy-cat"?).

I applaud you for keeping your pets indoors where they are safe and supervised -- wish everyone cared as much as you. However I think you will have to make some changes to the dog door (put it in a closed room, get a collar activated one, or train your dog to go to you to be let out instead of using a door?) if you want to continue keeping them safe. Good luck.

Answer 6

Almost impossible, once a cat gets out once they keep trying, my cat is 5 years old now and got out once as a kitten, but she hasn`t been out since and keeps trying, my other cat was never outside and doesn`t even try, all you can do is keep after it with a spray bottle of water, or have someone wait outside and scare the heck out of it when it tries to get out, maybe it`ll be too afraid after that.

Answer 7

Many pet stores carry smart doggie doors that allow you to attach a transponder to your dog's collar which will unlock the door when he is near and lock it when he's away. This will keep your cat inside.

Answer 8

maybe you shouldn't have the dog door there anymore...just open the door for ur dog when it wants to go out...it would be more safer than letting ur cat out since hes declawed...
better safe than sorry :)