Tried to teach my cat to use a cat door on the porch. He now just sits and stares at it...for 3 weeks straight.

I installed one of those magnetic flap cat doors on my back porch screen. Thought it would be great so he could come and go without me having to get up. First day, he just pawed at it and it scared him. Now he refuses to even touch it. He just sits on the mat and yowls until I open the door for him. He's watched the neighbor's cat use theirs before, so he knows it's possible. I've tried holding it open, I've tried luring him with treats. Nope. He's got me trained. Has anyone else had a pet that absolutely refuses to learn a simple trick like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

lewis.drew1mo ago

Ha! Oh man, that's exactly what my dog did with his dog door. Spent a whole month just staring at it like it was a magic portal. Finally had to hold it open with a stick for like two weeks before he'd even poke his nose through.

vals381mo ago

Went through the exact same thing with my cat and a new pet flap... she just sat there meowing at it like I'd installed a brick wall. Took me putting treats on both sides and gently pushing her through a few times before she got it. Animals are stubborn little creatures when it comes to new stuff... makes you wonder what they're actually thinking behind those eyes. Glad your dog finally figured it out though... they always come around eventually, just gotta outlast their suspicion.