How do I train a cat to use a door bell.

[dddiam]

There are several brands of wireless remote door bells designed for dogs. They require about 0.75 pounds of pressure.

I would like suggestions on how to train my cat to use it.

Princess is 16 years old, and highly intelligent. She watched how I open the traverse curtains, and she taught herself how to do it.
I cover her food dishes so that the moist food does not dry out. I taught her how to remove the cover by pushing it off with her nose.
Princess can open interior doors from the inside or outside, as long as they are not firmly latched. At first she tried to use the door knob (she is very long), but could not grasp it. So, instead, she pushes open a door with her nose (even if it is a little stiff), and she pulls open the door by hooking a claw to its edge.

She will sit outside the sliding glass doors till someone notices her and lets her in.
If she is desperate to get in (cold, wet or afraid of an animal), she will scratch on the glass or the screen.

So the doorbell sounds like a possibility. Any training suggestions? Has anyone on this forum done that, or something similar?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Can you combine it with clicker training in some way?

A couple years ago I saw a video of a cat using a doorbell, so it's definitely do-able - they're so smart

 

[dddiam]

Thanks for the encouraging reply.

I am not familiar with clicker training. I will have to look into it.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

There is actually a mat system available for cats that might work better. No training needed. Here's a link to the one that Amazon carries: Amazon.com : Pet Doorbell Mat System : Pet Door Doorbells : Pet Supplies The system is weight activated. All she needs to do is step on the mat.

 

[dddiam]

I just discovered that there are now quite a few brands of wireless remote doorbells designed for dogs. They have large buttons that require only light pressure. I will try one of those.

Training will still be an adventure . I will let you know how it goes.

 

[dddiam]

Thanks for the suggestion about the pet doorbell mat.
The mat is too wide to sit on the top step leading up to my sliding glass doors, which is where I would need it.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Well, drat. And darn. I tried! Good luck with the training, and let us know how it goes!

 

[dddiam]

Thanks. I will.