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The Cat Door Solution
from: The Complete CatI bet you're getting tired of hearing your cat meowing like crazy or scratching the door to pieces when she's ready to come in. So let's look at some simple solutions to this problem and some training aids for your cat to alert you when she wants to come in.
First, you can put a small bell on a string that hangs from the door, which will enable your cat to play with the string, which will ring the bell. You can get bells in a different sizes, but a small one is just the right size for a cat to play and thus be able to ring the bell. You can pick up and inexpensive bell at most department stores or pet stores.
The string should be long enough to hang down so your cat can reach it without having to jump to reach it or use the door for support. Try putting a bit of catnip on the string or in the bell whcih will attract most cats to play with the bell. You can purchase catnip in a spray which should help attract them to the bell. You'll need to teaching your cat to use the bell and the sound will warn you kitty's ready to come inside.
Once you'e put your cat outside you'll want to keep an eye out for when she wants to come in and show her how to ring the bell. Once she's rung the bell, reward her with a treat. Once she's rung the bell, you can open the door to allow her in and get the reward.
Another way to train your cat is to use a cat door for entrance and exits. Cat doors and entrances can be purchased at pet stores, on even through the Internet. These doors are small enough to allow your cat to get in and out as she desires and frees you from having to attend to her.
Cat doors can be installing right in front door, or possible next to your door for a wall mounting, depending on your home. You'll need to measure the size of the opening before marking your purchase. Also, you'll need to measure your cats' height and width so you get the right size opening. When measuring the width allow at a couple of inches extra to give your cat enough room to get ina and out. The height from the shoulders to the back of the front legs should provide the right height.
A cat will not automatically use the door and so you're going to have to train her to do so. You should hold the door open, allowing her to come in and out freely and providing a treat at each side. This will help her understand she's supposed to do. This may take some time but continue playing with her and soon she'lll be entering and exiting on her own. Never try to use the cat's nose and push her though the door opening.
Once she's using the door, you'll have the freedom of sleeping all night, or not having to stop what you're doing to let your cat in and out.
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