Ok. I have been on the record as not particularly liking cats. but this one changed me when he walked into my shop, jumped up onto my back, and started walking around on my shoulders.
He is a cute little feller and is a young male. An older, larger, male rules the roost for the strays around here and has attacked my little buddy numerous times, wounding him somewhat seriously. He is on the mend and is living in my enclosed shop while I give him the prescribed antibiotics and cream on his wound.
My question:
If one teaches a cat to use a "pet door" can other cats learn how to use it on their own? I figure my little buddy could stay safe and still get outdoors for air and exercise as long as he can find refuge in my shop via a little pet door. I can tach him how to use it, but I don't know if other cats could then follow him in and do him harm.
Unfortunately, keeping him in the house is out of the question as my wife is allergic and we have a dog that loves to chase cats.
As I said, I have a history of not particularly caring for cats, but this little guy limped into my shop and "asked" me for help. His open wound on his back is healing nicely and I'd like to take care of him without having to keep him locked up in the shop all the time.
I'll appreciate anyone with cat experience providing their opinions!

 

yes, other cats can learn to use the pet door, too. my buddy in colorado has two cats and a pet door; he lives in a rural area, falcon. anyhow, the lady across the street moved away but left her cat, which followed his cats home. one night, he and his wife were awakened by the stray fighting with their cats in the house. in the dark, denny grabbed the stray to toss it out; he wound up with lots of stiches in his arm.

 

One option is that at some of your bigger pet shops you can buy pet doors that will only unlock for animals with a special radio collar, so no other strays can gain access.

 

Cats are pretty smart, and CURIOUS. You bet other cats would find their way through that door, so don't count on it keeping your little feller safe.

Jason

 

How often are you in the shop? Every day? If so, then just put in a litter box and let the cat out during the day if he wants out. Most cats are happy indoors as long as they have food, water and a place to do their business.

 

Yes, other cats will learn to use the cat door. There are special doors that require a magnetic collar to open, check here:
http://www.moorepet.com/moorepet/ind...=ALLELECTRONIC
There are other options also, just Google pet store "cat door" collar The above was the first on the list and looks helpful.

Keeping the cat indoors is always possible like pfogle said. Get TWO cat boxes tho and keep them clean. You always need one more cat box than the number of cats you have. Trust me, -it works best. Use the clumping litter not the cheap clay stuff. Newspapers and/or an old blanket makes a great bed. Up high off the floor is best. Old blankets or towels up where they can look out a window or two and lay in the sun is always appreciated.

Cats are great pets and do not take near as much attention as dogs. Although they will demand attention when you are around. As long as they have food and water and a warm place to sleep they can fend for themselves for a weekend unlike many dogs. Cats like getting up high. You can amuse yourself by providing "catwalks" around the shop. They do shed just like any animal and the fur will get everywhere. Keep our oily and dirty equipment covered but then you should do that anyway to keep the regular dust off. Be VERY careful about any chemicals and anti freeze around the shop! Keep containers closed. Chemicals that won't bother us will kill a cat or other animals. Remember they are breathing the vapors 24/7 if they are in an enclosed shop. They also like to keep themselves clean and will lick their paws and fur ingesting whatever is on them.

When the cat has recovered from his wound get with the Vet on getting him neutered. He will be much happier and not tend to wander as much. It also cuts down on the cat fights etc. I like to put off the neutering as long as possible to let them get some size and a few male hormones flowing but if they start spraying it is too late so just follow the Vet's advice.

 

i second Eric's advice. don't wait to long to get him neutered. once he starts spraying, your shop will stink and you will start looking for a gun. don't worry about keeping him inside. if he wants to go out, he will find a way. "Jim" lived in the shop for 14 years, and would only go out if we made to much noise. as soon as the noise stopped, he came back in. he was even smart enough to stay away from any moving items.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I'll be able to work something out. I have a day job that keeps me busier than I'd like to be, but come warmer weather, I'll be in my home shop more. I am going to look into the radio collars to control the door. And I will be getting him neutered as soon as his wound is healed up (as per the vet's advice)

 

Here's another vote for the electronic version if you opt for a cat door. With the regular version, other cats finding their way through could be a minor problem compared to what might happen when the neighborhood wildlife catches on!

 

The magnetic collar versions at the above link require no batteries that can "expire" at the wrong time. The radio collars can activate the door at a distance which means another animal can easily follow yours in. Even with the magnetics they can get in if they are moving fast enuf. The biggest problem with the collar "locks" and a pet door is that cats seem to have a remarkable ability to lose their collars so they could be locked in or out at the wrong time. That could be bad news if you left for a weekend.

Cats also need an annual vet check just like dogs or other pets. Fleas and ticks are not much of a problem now with the long lasting repellents you get from the vet so use them. Fleas in a shop can be a hazard when one bites and you bang your head on that sharp piece of metal. Ticks are just gross...

 

not only can other cats learn, so can racoons and other pesky animals

Matt