Why Your Cat Hates When You Close Doors

If you own a cat, then you can probably remember a time or two when you’ve gone into your room or bathroom, closed the door, and suddenly your cat is going crazy outside the door. You may see paws sliding under the door, or hear scratching and loud meowing. It may seem like your cat is in total agony. It only takes a few times of closing a door on your cat to realize they don’t like them. You might think your cat’s reaction is over-the-top, or part of his quirky personality.

But actually, cats have real, and justified reasons for why they prefer doors to be open, not shut. Some of these reasons include curiosity, social anxiety, and curiosity.

Here are the top three reasons why cats despise closed doors:

1. Cats are social animals by nature

Whether your cat follows you around the house, or just hangs out in the same room with you, they like to have that option. Many people think cats are much more independent than they really are. While most cats do like their alone time, they also prefer to be close to you and interact with you. Cats are nosey little creatures. Your cant wants to keep tabs on you and know what you’re doing at all times. When you close that door, he’ll be sure to let you know he doesn’t approve.

2. Curiosity killed the cat

You know this saying, and there’s definitely truth to it. Cats are curious critters. They’ll stick their nose into just about anything to see what’s in it; a bag, a shoe, anything they can. Sometimes, their curiosity gets them into trouble. But curiosity is more to your cat. Your cat has to know what you’re doing at all times. If you close a door, your cat’s red flags go up, especially if he hears noises behind it. He may jump at the door or door knob, scratch the door, and if he’s vocal, you’re sure to hear some desperate cries. He may even learn to turn doorknobs himself to prevent door-closings.

3. They want access to their territory

Cats are territorial. Once they’ve claimed their territory, they want access to it all, at any given time. Closing doors blocks your cat’s ability to roam where he wants, when he wants. This can especially be unnerving if the door to his food and water are closed, or the door to his litter box. These not only make your cat nervous, but it can have negative effects for both of you. If your cat can’t get to his food and water, he’ll be hungry and thirsty. He’ll also be likely to let you know by wailing outside that door, to let him in. If your cat can’t get to his litter box, he’ll have no choice but to “go” in the house, which can be a time-consuming and smelly mistake.

Here’s why you should leave doors open

Leaving doors open in your home can help your cat in a number of ways:

It creates a more comfortable and stress-free environment for your cat. He won’t feel trapped, which can create anxiety if he can’t escape to-or-from a space.
He’ll feel more like a part of the family. Your cat wants to be able to join you when he wants. If he feels separated from you, this will make him agitated.
Cats want to be able to investigate noises or commotion to help put them at ease. Closed doors don’t let them soothe their curiosity.
It gives them free access to what they need; food, water, the litter box, maybe their bed and toys. And this will give you both, peace and comfort.

An answer to your door issues

Trying to find an answer to closed door issues can be difficult. Some people turn to pet doors, which can pose their own problems, like with kids. While pets might find them useful, small children can escape through them. One easy answer is the Door Buddy. Door Buddy lets you keep doors open just enough for you cat to get through, but not enough for your child.