My cat runs out the door. How do I stop her from escaping outside?

It can be difficult to keep cats inside when they want to get out. First, I would recommend never taking Pawncho Jo (love the name!) outside through this door unless she is in a carrier - it is confusing to get to go out the door sometimes but not others. If possible, the best thing to do would be to confine her to another room when you are coming or going so that she can't access the door. This obviously wouldn't work in a busy house. I am usually reluctant to recommend any type of negative reinforcement for cats since it can lead to fear and undesirable behavior, but you could try making a loud noise when she approaches the door or using something like a Sssscat forced air can to scare her away.

Unfortunately now she has been out it is very difficult to blunt this natural behavior. Providing climbing toys and other distractions can help but it may be easier to keep her 100% indoor or regular free access outdoors. Many people build secure, aviary type pens to provide safe, outdoor exercise areas

Unfortunately it’s very difficult to train cats. Unlike dogs, most of them do not have a desire to please their humans. Other than just be extra cautious when leaving the house so that he does not slip through an open door, you can purchase electric fence type devices for the house. Roxzy, would wear a special collar that will give a static correction if he approaches the boundary. Meanwhile you would set up the boundary around the door. Most cats respond very well to this system. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I’m sorry you’re having to chase Catori! Unfortunately, curiosity is a normal behavior for a young cat- it is not misbehavior. In addition, training cats to stay in one place is usually not effective. Is there a reason she is not allowed out of that particular room? Perhaps you can try making her room more appealing by adding a cat tree or some toys? If these are not options, you’ll have to either let her out to explore or find a way to keep her away from the door when you open and close it. Best of luck to you and Catori!

Some cats will not drink still water. Try a small pet fountain to keep the water moving. Keeping Chase from bolting outside is a bit more difficult. It will require close supervision, especially when people enter or exit. Make sure doors latch shut and are secure. Check your property for anything that might be drawing her outdoors. If she seems stressed or anxious inside, try using a pheromone product such as Feliway spray or diffuser to enhance her calm.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think you are asking how to train your cat to not go through the door to the outside deck? Cats are very hard to train. You can use a noise deterrent or water squirt bottle to essentially scare Gracie from going near the door but I don't recommend that. It is environmental enrichment to allow cats to look outside. My suggestion is to keep the screen closed unless you are there on the deck. If you want to allow her on the deck when you can watch her then do so. There are ways to clicker train and positively reinforce animals to sit at the door and not go through it. This will take time and cats do not train as well as dogs. Have a great day!

Good on you for keeping them indoors! I keep my cats indoors all the time as well, it's much safer for them and better for their health. I would make it a habit to check where Johny is every time you have to leave or open the door before opening the door. Then he has less of a chance to sneak out. You can also get a screen door, which adds an extra barrier to prevent him from getting out. I hope this helps!