How Can You Stop Cats From Door Dashing?

Cats are fascinating animals that make great companions. However, they can also be notorious for door dashing, which is when they dart out of the door as soon as it’s opened. This behavior can be dangerous for your cat as they can easily get lost, injured, or worse. In this guide, we will discuss why cats door dash and provide suggestions on how to correct this problem.

Why Do Cats Door Dash?

Cats are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. When they see an open door, some can’t resist the urge to investigate what’s on the other side. In some cases, door dashing can be a sign of boredom, and your cat may be looking for some enrichment. 

Another reason cats door dash is because they may be trying to escape from something they find unpleasant. For instance, if you have other pets or children in your home that your cat doesn’t get along with, they may try to flee to avoid confrontations.

How To Correct Door Dashing Behavior

1. Train your cat: The first step to correcting door dashing is to train your cat. Start by teaching them the “wait” command, which involves making your cat wait at the door until you give them permission to leave. You can do this by holding your cat back and saying “wait” before opening the door. Once your cat understands the command, gradually increase the time they wait before giving them permission to leave. Follow this up with a treat or sweet talk each time they follow the command.
2. Provide mental stimulation: As mentioned earlier, boredom can be a reason why cats door dash. To prevent this, provide your cat with plenty of mental stimulation and enrichment. You can do this by giving them toys to play with, creating obstacle courses for them to navigate, and providing them with plenty of scratching posts and climbing trees. For more enrichment ideas, click here.
3. Keep your cat entertained: If your cat is entertained, they will be less likely to door dash. Try to spend some quality time with your cat every day on routine, through play and snuggles. You can also leave Cat TV on when you’re not at home or turn on interactive toys to provide your cat with some excitement and distraction.
4. Create a safe space: If your cat is trying to escape from other pets or people in your home, it’s important to create a safe space for them to escape. This can be a separate room or area of your home where your cat can go to relax and feel safe. Make sure this area is equipped with everything your cat needs, such as food, water, a litter box, and plenty of toys.
5. Secure your home: Finally, it’s important to secure your exits to prevent your cat from door dashing. This includes making sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, installing secure screen doors, and keeping an eye on your cat when you’re outside. You can also consider microchipping your cat in case they do manage to escape.

Conclusion

Door dashing is a common problem for many cat parents, but it can be corrected with patience and consistency. By training your cat, providing them with plenty of enrichment, keeping them entertained, creating a safe space, and securing your home, you can prevent your cat from door dashing and ensure they stay safe and happy.