How to teach your cat to open a door
Your cat pulls a cupboard door open by tugging a soft fabric loop tied to the handle.
- Difficulty
- Takes time
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 15-25 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- sock or soft loop on a low handle
- a low cupboard with nothing dangerous inside
Why it matters
Opening a door is a classic trick title skill. Keep it for one safe, empty cupboard holding your cat's toys, so the trick is fun without trouble.
Before you start
Play with a wand toy first, then train in a quiet room before a meal. Warm up with 2 or 3 known tricks; pick one safe cupboard.
Step by step
Touch the loop
Hold the fabric loop in your hand. Click any touch with paw or mouth.
Move on when: Touches the loop 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: A sock with a little catnip can spark interest.
Grab and tug
Click when your cat grabs the loop and pulls back, even a little.
Move on when: Tugs the loop 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Hold it lightly so the pull feels like it worked.
Loop on the door
Tie the loop to the cupboard handle, with the door unlatched. Click any tug.
Move on when: Tugs the loop on the door 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Use a door that swings with almost no effort.
Door moves
Click only tugs that move the door. Then only tugs that open it wide enough to see in.
Move on when: Opens the door 5 cm, 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Put a toy inside as a bonus prize to find.
Add the cue
Say "Open" and point at the loop.
Move on when: Opens on cue 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Close the cupboard between sessions so each open is fresh.
The cue
- Say
- “Open”
- Hand signal
- Point at the loop on the door
If it isn't working
- Only bats the loop
- Mark bats for a while, then only bats that pull. A fabric strip with a knot at the end is easier to hook.
- Door is too heavy
- Choose a lighter door or a toy box lid. Remove any magnetic catch.
- Opens other cupboards too
- Use child locks on all the others, and only reward this one door.
Safety
Safety- Fit child locks on cleaner, medicine or food cupboards; a cat may try other doors.
- Keep loop short; remove after sessions so it can't catch paw or neck.
- Never teach your cat to open outside doors, windows or the fridge.
Mastered when
Opens the toy cupboard on cue, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 3 cued door opens
Variations
- Open the toy box lid
- Open then close the door
- Open, then fetch a toy from inside
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Click and laugh: fun cat tricks (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- Trick Dog titles: levels, video submission and lure rules (Do More With Your Dog)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
Lesson · 3 min
How to teach your cat to put its toys away
Your cat picks up a toy and drops it into a low box on cue.
Lesson · 3 min
How to teach your cat to turn on a light
Your cat taps a battery push-light to switch it on or off. A safe version of the light-switch trick.
Lesson · 3 min
How to teach your cat to say hello on cue
Capture your cat's natural meow or chirp, give it a cue, and get an answer when you ask.
