How to Train Your Cat Not to Be a Door Dasher
Does your cat dart out the door at every opportunity, leaving you chasing them down the street? Door dashing can be dangerous for your feline friend, exposing them to cars, predators, toxins, and getting lost. Fortunately, with some patience and consistent training, you can curb this behavior while still offering safe outdoor adventures.
Why Door Dashing is Dangerous
Cats are curious by nature, and the outdoors offers a world of smells, sights, and excitement. However, their instinct to explore can lead to encounters with vehicles, territorial animals, harmful plants, or even well-meaning neighbors who might not recognize your cat belongs to you. Keeping your cat indoors unless supervised helps ensure their safety.
Steps to Prevent Door Dashing
Positive Reinforcement: Teach them that they get treats, a toy, or even a puzzle feeder when they walk away from the door. Practice opening and closing the door using these positive ‘distractions’ and praise them for their good behavior.
Create a Barrier: Consider using a baby gate or screen to create a secondary barrier between your cat and the door if you have a real Houdini – while you’re training them not to be door dashers.
Enhance Indoor Enrichment. Provide new and exciting indoor ‘activities’ – like cat walls or cat wheels – to give your cat plenty to explore in the inside.
Supervised Outdoor Time. If your cat craves outdoor exploration, introduce supervised outings. Cat harnesses and leashes are excellent tools for allowing your kitty to roam safely. Be sure to choose a well-fitting harness (like one from surfer cat) and start slowly to let your cat adjust. Alternatively, build or invest in a catio—a secure outdoor enclosure. Set a routine for these outings to give your cat regular stimulation while reinforcing that dashing out the door isn’t the way to explore.
With patience and practice, you can teach your cat to stay safe indoors while enjoying the outdoors in a controlled way. A happy, healthy cat is one who knows they’re loved—and protected!
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