If you own both cats and dogs, you may already be familiar with the conundrum of how to let your dog outside while keeping your cat inside. Dogs love the freedom of going outside whenever they need through their pet door just as must as cats love to slip through the flap.
It can be dangerous to let your cat outside unsupervised. Indoor cats may not be savvy to all the dangers of the outdoors while an outdoor cat would still be at risk of being hurt by wild animals and moving cars.
So, how do we keep our feline friends from slipping out the doggie door and causing chaos in the neighborhood?
How To Prevent Your Cat From Using Your Dog’s Pet Door
First things first, keep those doors to the outside closed tight unless you’re actively watching your cat. Cats are sneaky little creatures and can slip out faster than you can say “meow.”
Next up, it’s time to train your cat to come when called. Yes, I said train your cat. I know, I know, it sounds impossible, but trust me, it’s doable.
Start by choosing a command for your cat to come, like “here” or “come” or even their own name. Then, call their name in an upbeat tone and immediately reward them with a treat when they come to you.
Gradually increase the distance between you and your cat each time you practice this, and over time, your cat will come when called without needing a treat every time. And if they don’t come when called, don’t chase them down – just wait for them to come on their own terms and reward them when they do.
But let’s not stop there – let’s keep our cats entertained and engaged so they don’t feel the need to make a run for it.
Provide them with a variety of toys, like balls, laser pointers, and catnip toys, and rotate them regularly to keep things interesting. And don’t forget about scratching posts or pads – give your cat plenty of options for scratching and stretching so they don’t ruin your couch.
If your cat likes to perch, consider getting them a cat tree or window perch so they can relax and observe their surroundings.
Playtime is also crucial for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Set aside time for them to chase toys or play with a fishing-pole-style toy to get their heart rate up and prevent them from becoming overweight.
Last but not least, consider taking your cat outside on a harness and leash so they can enjoy the great outdoors without the risk of running away. It takes some patience and practice, but with the right harness and leash and plenty of encouragement, your cat can learn to walk on a leash comfortably.
cat using endura flap thermo panel
Dog Doors That Keep Cats Out
One way you can prevent your cat from escaping through your dog’s pet flap is to get a dog door designed to keep cats out.
One great option is a High Tech automatic pet door. This door will only open when it can detect a special key hanging off of your dog’s collar. That way, cats will be unable to push through the door when you’re not looking. Plus, many High Tech owners report that the door’s noises are loud enough to scare any curious cat away.
If you’re looking for a non-electronic option, we also suggest the Endura Flap pet door. Many customers report that if you get a double flap door or wall mount, the flaps’ combined weight will be too heavy for a cat to push open. Some owners even report that the additional magnets that they added to the flap to keep out the cold also made is impossible for their cat to push open.
Please note that while both the High Tech and Endura Flap are said to help keep cats out, there are no guarantees. A particularly determined cat will find a way to slip through either door despite any precautions you may take.
So there you have it – the keys to keeping your cat safe and secure. Keep those doors closed, train them to come when called, provide plenty of entertainment and enrichment, and take them outside on a leash. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll even be able to take them on a hike (but let’s not get ahead of ourselves).
