Q: How do you get a housecat from wanting to run outside evertime a door opens?

Feb 22, 2011

That's always a big concern & some cats seem to go through stages where they have periods when they're worse about trying to dart out than others. I have one who goes months ignoring an open door & then suddenly she's right at the door if she even thinks we're going to open it. You can try giving him treats away from the door just before you leave. If he's really determined & positive reinforcement isn't working, you can keep a squirt bottle filled with plain water next to the door. Lots of times just saying "No" in a stern voice will deter them. It depends on how determined they are as to what method is going to work best, but just be consistent & he'll learn. Good luck.

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Feb 23, 2011

as usual kelly is right. be tough it is for his own good.

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Mar 02, 2011

You can throw a new box or paper bag out before you open the door, or even a blanket over a chair, to pull his interest elsewhere. Or you can try placing a sheet of tin foil or strips of clear double-sided tape in front of the door. Cats hate the feel of either of these under their paws, so they commonly deter kitty from the area.

There is also a specially designed mat just for this purpose, but for the life of me I can never find it when I need it. Not those painfully cruel electric mats - this one has rubber prongs that cats hate.

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