Orange Cat Learns to Open Doors and Literally Lets the Dog Out
Learning how to open a door is a pretty impressive accomplishment for any pet. We have a Pit Bull mix who can open certain doors, though she usually prefers to make us do it for her. It's cute when she uses her special talent, but after watching this video, we're not so sure we'd feel the same way about a cat mastering the skill.
What nobody expected was what this orange cat would do with his newfound talent. Instead of using it for his own adventures, he decided to become the household doorman, and the family dog was his first customer. The moment the door swings open, the pair waste no time making their getaway, and everybody is cheering them on.
@tillygthetortoise Pawtners in crime
Mission Impossible Theme (Movie Trailer Mix) - Dominik Hauser
In the caption, Mom called them "pawtners in crime," and this video certainly seems to prove it. It also explains why Mom eventually had to install a latch cover over the door. After all, it's one thing to have a cat who knows how to open doors; it's another to have a cat who uses that skill to help everyone else escape, too.
Related: Cat Brings Home a Stray Cat and Gets Grouchy When She Becomes Part of the Family
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Can Cats Really Learn to Open Doors?
As many cat parents can tell you, some felines are surprisingly skilled problem-solvers. Cats are naturally curious and often learn through observation and repetition.
According to Plato, maker of pet treats, cats are excellent at connecting actions with outcomes. They watch their humans open doors and eventually realize that pawing at a handle or pushing on a door can produce the same result. Once they discover a method that works, they'll keep practicing until they've mastered it.
Lever-style handles are especially easy for determined cats because they can often be pushed down with a paw or the cat's body weight. Plato points out that for animals that already spend their days jumping, climbing, and batting at dangling objects, the motion feels "surprisingly intuitive".
Plato also shared an interesting fact about feline intelligence: "Unlike dogs, cats do not need repeated formal training sessions. One or two successful outcomes are often enough." This is true even when the lesson is learned by accident. "Once a cat accidentally presses a lever and the door opens, the behavior is reinforced instantly. Cats are excellent at learning through cause and effect, especially when the reward is access to food, people, or a favorite nap spot."
In other words, once a clever cat figures out how a door works, there's a good chance the rest of the household is in trouble.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM.