Door Dashing

Cats are agile, have excellent timing and are mighty quick. Those traits can lead to a first-class door dasher who sprints for freedom the moment he hears the keys in the lock.

This is a dangerous habit not only for the cat, but also for the person standing outside with bags in their arms. Fortunately, door dashing is easily rectified with a bit of forethought on your part. Take the time to set up the situation when you aren’t in a hurry or overburdened with bags of groceries. These techniques and your good timing may save your cat’s life one day.

Many cats dislike water. If this is the case with your cat, use a plant sprayer set on stream to discourage this behavior. Ideally, you want the cat to think when the door opens, water sprays in. However, you don't want your cat to think when I see my guardian, I get wet.

Many cats are easily startled by loud noises. If this is the case with your cat, you can use a shaker can to startle him and change his mind about running out the door. To make a shaker can you will need an empty, clean and dry soda can. Drop 5-8 pennies in the can and seal the top with tape.

Whatever the tool you select, use it like this:

• Carry the tool with you or set it by the door.
• When you come home, get the tool ready and then carefully open the door just a bit.
• Regardless if you see the cat or not use your tool. While you are still outside, bend down and spray several squirts through your doorway. If you are using the shaker can, open the door and toss the can just inside the threshold. You may want to have several cans to toss in a row. Say nothing, as you want your cat to associate the unpleasantness with the door opening, not your presence.
• You will use the same method for leaving. Have your tools ready. One hand on the doorknob and one hand with your tool. Slowly open the door and either spray several squirts or drop a shaker can.  If you are caught unprepared, use your keys. Throw them down right in front of you (while avoiding hitting your cat). This will startle your cat without harming him. It’s not a perfect tool but it’s one you will almost always have when you come through the door.
• If he gets through this blockade do not turn and correct him as he runs off; that only teaches him to run away from the house very quickly. If your cat does run out the door, it is too late to teach him not to run out of the door. Just chalk the experience up to learning and either open the door more slowly next time or try a different tool.

Two or three thwarted attempts should teach your cat to stay well away from the door when you open it.

If you would like to work with a Wisconsin Humane Society behaviorist one-on-one regarding this behavior topic, please call 414-431-6173 to schedule a consultation.