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How Do You Cat Proof a Door Handle? (Guide)

You may be wondering how you can stop your cat trying to open your door, right? But, what is the best way to get around this?

How do you cat-proof a door handle?

The best way to cat-proof your door handle is to use a door handle lock, lever, or cover. These devices will physically block the handle and refuse access. Not only cats, but it can also keep other animals, pets, or even your kids from opening the door.

What you will need to cat-proof the door

 

Description	Image	My Rating
01. Door Knob Lock-Out (Best Option) Click here for the price on Amazon
02. Child Proof Door Knob Cover Click here for the price on Amazon
03. Door Lever Lock Click here for the price on Amazon

So, now you know what you need to cat-proof your door handle. But, what other ways can you block access? Should you be keeping the doors open? How do these pesky cats even know how to open the door in the first place? Keep reading to find out and, and a whole lot more.

 

Why do cats open doors?

You may be wondering why is your cat so keen to open your door in the first place, right?

Cats open doors because they do not like to have them closed. They feel that they own your house and do not want to be restricted access. Some cat owners believe you should not close doors anyway, but, this is a matter of opinion.

So, now you know why your cat is opening the door. What other ways are there to stop this, apart from door handle locks?

What other ways can you cat-proof the door?

To cat-proof (Click here to see how to keep cats from your surge protector) your door there are three different ways that you can consider:

• Use a door handle lock
• Try and train your cat not to do it.
• Physically block access to the door.

Use a door handle lock

As I mentioned earlier a door handle lock is a great way to physically stop your cat opening the door. If they are persistent and they want to keep trying, there is no way they will be able to do it. Some adults may even struggle to open the door with this lock on it, are you with me?

Try and train your cat not to do it.

With this technique, it relies on you spending the time to try and train your cat not to open the door. The idea is to use treats to provide positive reinforcement. I will admit, the problem with this method is it is quite a time-consuming process. And, it’s not always effective.

Physically block access to the door.

Another technique you can use is to physically block access to the door. This is instead of locking the door. For example, if you had an ensuite bathroom in your bedroom. And, your cat keeps on trying to break into it.

You could simply keep the door closed for the bedroom that contains it, are you with me? Meaning, she would never get access to the ensuite at all.

The problem with this method is that it depends on the layout of your home. Some smaller apartments do not have the luxury of being able to physically block access to the outer door.

In summary

As you can see there quite a few options. However, a simple door handle lock would be a good solution to stop this happening quite quickly and effectively.

Should you keep doors open for cats?

You may be wondering, is it even a good idea to be locking the doors any? Maybe these doors should be left open anyway, right?

It is best practice to keep the doors open for cats. The benefits are it makes your cat feel happy. Also makes her feel more comfortable and it allows your home to be less smelly. Regarding the latter, it helps your home air out easier.

Cats are typically social animals and do not respond well to being restricted access. But, with that being said, how do cats even learn to open doors?

How do cats learn to open doors?

If you have witnessed your cat opening your door, it is crazy, right? But, how do they even work out how to do it?

Cats will watch you and learn how to open your door. Cats are very smart animals and can learn how to open doors quickly. But, they can also work out the layout of your home and understand where the doors lead to.

So, now you know cats are not to be underestimated. They are very smart creatures and can learn how to open doors quite easily with persistence. But, what about these door buddies, are they worth the time?

Is a door buddy a better solution for your cat?

Click here for the price on Amazon

So you may have heard people talking about the Door Buddy (Click here for the price on Amazon) or other similar solutions, to keep your cat out and restrict access to your door. But, is this a good solution?

The Door Buddy is a good solution if you have cats and want them to get through the door. But, want to restrict access to this door from other animals such as your dog, other large pet, or even your kids. It is not a good solution if you want to restrict access for your cat.

So, now you know, if you want to allow access for your cats but restrict access for other animals or kids then the Door Buddy is a good solution for this. But, what ways do cats hint for you to open your door?

How do cats ask you to open the door?

You may be wondering when a cat wants access to one of your doors (Click here to see how to deal with cats climbing your door frames), what signs or hints do they give you?

Cats will give you body language to show you that they want you to open your door. This can include meowing outside the door, scratching at the door, or even directing you to the door. These are subtle hints for you to do what they want.

So now you understand that cats will give you subtle body language, signs and, hints to ask you to open your door. But, how can you deter a cat from opening a door, rather than trying to restrict access?

How can you deter a cat from opening a door?

Click here for the price on Amazon

There are times when you do not want to put a physical lock on your door. And, you may just want to prevent your cat from opening the door. Maybe trying to train her is not working, are you with me?

To deter a cat from opening the door you can use a training mat or some sticky paws. The training mats can be left outside the door, which is uncomfortable for cats and, will make them stop trying to get in. The sticky paws will attach to the door and stop her from pushing it.

So now you know using a training mat (Click here for availability on Amazon) or Sticky Paws tape (click here to see the price on Amazon) can help you to deter your cat from scratching and causing problems at the door.

Will a cat patio (Catio) help your cat move from your door?

You may have heard rumors about catios and wondered if this will help you to stop your cat bugging you at your door (Click here if your front has a weird cat smell).

Yes, a catio is a good idea to stop your cat from trying to open doors. This is their own enclosed space outdoors that will allow them to have more freedom. But, also help you to keep them under control. This can be done using some simple chicken wire and cordoning off your balcony (Click here to see what you can do if your kitten falls off the balcony).

However, it’s not a direct solution, it’s more of an assistance if you get me? It will help, but won’t directly stop it.

Does negative reinforcement work for cats at doors?

You may instinctively want to shout to your cat or tell them off whenever they do something bad. Such as trying to open your door (Click here to see if polydactyl cats can open these doors). But, is this the right thing to do?

Negative reinforcement rarely gets results. In most cases, your cat gets confused by your actions and does not understand it’s being punished. In some cases, he can resent you and start to and hide away from you in fear.