WHY DO CATS HATE CLOSED DOORS?

It’s a common scenario, you’re in the bathroom with the door shut, minding your own business, when suddenly you hear frantic scratching and meowing outside the door. Yes, that's your cat crying at door. We've all been there, right? You've been wondering 'why does my cat wait outside my bathroom door' or something similar?

If you have ever opened a door for a cat and made the mistake of closing it behind them, you very quickly learn that a closed-door is something that cats hate. You'll know by your cat's meow, excessive meowing or a cat whimpering sound. It's a big no-no for our furry friends and you'' end up with cat scratches at door!

Your cat’s dislike of closed doors can be very frustrating, but they don’t do these things to annoy you. You don't have to worry 'does my cat hate me' or anything like that. Although we joke that our kitties are a bit on the sassy side, we promise that there are some genuine reasons behind those cat meows when I close the door. We're going to answer the question of why do cats cry at a shut door.

So, if you're wondering 'why does my cat guard my bedroom door' or 'why does my cat wait outside my bathroom door', we're here to shed some light on this. Here are three reasons why cats hate closed doors:

WHY DO CATS NOT LIKE CLOSED DOORS?

why do cats hate closed doors - blog image

1. They are Social Creatures

Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are quite happy living solitary lives, but, believe it or not, this is not true.

Cats, like humans, enjoy your company and they love getting attention from you or just hanging out with you. And, who are we to deny them of these purrfect cuddles?

Consequently, they like to be involved in whatever it is you’re doing, or they at least want to know what you’re up to. If you’re hiding behind a closed door then, for all they know, they could be missing out on a great activity with their favorite person. Call it closed door syndrome if you like...

Cat-astrophe!

2. They are Curious

For some of us, our main concern is finding out the answer to why does my cat meow when I close the bathroom door. Can we not get a second's break to do our business without a cat distressed meow?! Why does my cat guard my bedroom door? If you know, you know.

For others, we just want to get to the bottom of why does my cat not like closed doors or why does my cat guard my bedroom door. Whether you have an indoor cat or one that also enjoys going outside, this is a common paw-blem (not limited to just female cats).

They say, "curiosity killed the cat", and we can't deny that there isn't a lot of truth to it. Cats always want to know what is going on, and is often the answer to why do cats meow at closed doors. Whether you're running to the bathroom or filling up your coffee cup, your curious kitty won't be too far away.

The problem with this is that when your cat comes across a closed door (be it the main door, bathroom door, or all the doors), it's like putting a steak in front of a doggo and asking them not to eat it - trouble! If your cat encounters a closed-door their curiosity is immediately piqued, especially if they hear a noise on the other side of it. After all, wouldn't you want to know what's going on if you felt excluded?

This is often the reason that some parents notice that their cats become more...needy when they introduce a mini human to heir home. Cats and babies can be friends but it's an adjustment period and your cat may be feeling a little left out. For this reason, we always recommend following our introducing cats to babies guide.

They can’t help themselves, they simply must know what is going on in there so the scratching and meowing begin! Can cats fit under doors? Nope! In other words, cats and closed doors equal one big challenge for your kitty to overcome.

3. They are Territorial

The last reason why cat hates closed doors is fairly obvious once you think about it. If your cat usually has the run of your home then they will consider your entire home to be their territory. As far as they are concerned the house is theirs, not yours. Cats, right?!

Stating to get a better idea about why do cats guard doorways?

Closing a door prevents them from accessing all parts of their own territory which is something that territorial creatures hate! Understanding this could be the main answer to "why do cats meow at closed doors".

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP DOORS OPEN FOR YOUR CAT

At the end of the day, leaving doors wide open around your home helps your cat feel comfortable in their environment. There's no way around the fact that cats and closed doors do not mix (and nobody wants a cat drying at door).

Cats hating closed doors is possible one of the weirder cat behaviors. Others include their hate for water and their need to blep at everything.

If doors are open, your cat knows that they are not trapped and that they can join you whenever they feel like it... Providing you are at home and any noises inside your house can quickly be got to the bottom of.

Most importantly, keeping doors open around the home can help your cat feel comfortable with their day-to-day activities. We haven't heard of many cats fitting under doors, so keeping 'em open tends to work better.

Door Buddy - why do cats hate closed doors

If they know that they can access their food, water, and most importantly, their litter box at all times, your cat can become a lot more relaxed. This helps to prevent your kitty from going hungry or having any toilet-related accidents; which can be a nightmare to clean up. However, if your cat is having trouble using their litter box, make sure to read our post here.

An added bonus is that keeping the door open is a great way to get your cat to trust you. Gaining your cat's trust is a huge step in cementing your A-grade pawrent status. Here are 5 ways to get your cat to trust you.

All in all, an open door policy around your home will equate to a much happier, healthier, and less stinky cat. And who wouldn't want that?

HOW TO SOLVE YOUR CAT MEOWING AT CLOSED DOOR PROBLEM

Leaving doors open around your home can cause problems, particularly in homes where there are children and other pets such as dogs. If you've got a doggo who likes to snack from the litter box, then you know exactly what we mean!

Not to mention the fact that installing an interior pet door or using something like a baby gate with cat door is not only a hassle to set up or install, but it is also inconvenient and cumbersome to use for both you and your cat.

Thankfully, there is a solution that's so simple and so effective that it's gotten over 25,000 5-star reviews! We'd like to introduce you to Door Buddy. This adjustable doorstop and latch works together to prevent your door from closing fully and it also keeps it open just enough for your cat to get through.

What about the nosy toddler or a kitty litter snacking dog? It also keeps the door closed enough to keep toddlers and dogs out as long as they are slightly larger than your kitty. All you have to do is adjust the strap to suit the width of your cat, et voila! You're in pet-proofing heaven.

Maybe your cat is smart and you've found yourself wondering how do cats know how to open doors. If you find yourself searching "why do cats meow at closed doors", or you need to stop your kitty opening 'em, Door Buddy is a must for you! Find out more about our product below.