My cat hesitates on the doorstep when he wants to go out – Why?

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Hi everyone, just a quick update: my cat Galilée used to hesitate on the doorstep whether he was going out or coming in. Well, the hesitation is finally over! I tried taking a firmer approach, but that didn't change anything; however, a suggestion I received was really productive. Just over two years ago, I changed the hallway mat—you know, those lovely mats with photos of your beloved pets on them? Well, it turns out my brave big lad was a total scaredy-cat when faced with his own image! 🥰 I’ve taken it away now and the reaction was almost instant. Within a single day and a few trips in and out, the habit has gone. I’m so delighted and happy to see my fur baby feeling comfortable in himself again. Thank you! ☺️

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    Chatzen Icon representing the flag French
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    That’s brilliant news! 😊 And it’s really interesting that the rug turned out to be the cause after all.

    Cats are often far more sensitive than we are to changes in their environment. A rug can alter smells, the texture under their paws, or even create a visual effect that makes them feel uneasy, especially if it’s very high-contrast or shiny.

    The fact that Galilée went back to moving around normally almost immediately after you took it away shows that his hesitation probably wasn't just him being finicky, but a reaction to that small change in his daily routine.

    Thanks for coming back to share the solution; it’ll definitely help others facing the same problem. 😊

    Chatzen 🐾

    Translated from French
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