Keeping cat inside... with a doggy door

Nanuk has discovered the doggy door to the great outdoors! Granted I do live in the country, but the speed limit on my road is 45. Yes the property is completely fenced in chainlink,... but the thought of kitty street pizza is never one I want to live out.
I dont really mind him going outside if i am with him, but i think it is dangerous for him to go venturing out alone. (and i know animals dont understand if/when)
Did i mention he is 7, walks with a limp, over weight and declawed?! (i didnt do any of that to him, I just adopted him in late January, and we are working on it)

I am so pertified he is going to get hurt! I have been keeping the doggy door closed when I am home, but that means when I am away either he gets locked up in my office, or the dogs get locked up indoors. .... not an ideal situation for either.
Suggestions?

There are many businesses that have created products just for you! I haven't a clue which is the best, but you can purchase dog doors that stay locked until a particular "key" (that can be worn on an animal's collar) unlocks the door. There are options that can have several different keys, or just one key, but, if you are willing to install an expensive new dog door, there is a solution out there somewhere for you.

Here is a link to the Petsmart Dog Door page.

They make doggie doors with keys for this...you might want to look into that. I agree with you, the cat going outdoors is not a safe or ideal situation for the kitty for so many reasons.

Originally Posted by Enuja

a particular "key" (that can be worn on an animal's collar) unlocks the door.

Click to expand...

Just be aware that many cats soon figure out if they stick close behind the dog they can escape when the dog goes through.

Originally Posted by missymotus

Just be aware that many cats soon figure out if they stick close behind the dog they can escape when the dog goes through.

Click to expand...

I was just going to say that...

sounds like you're gonna have to get creative.
can the dog stay outside while you're away?

Maybe you can put the doggie door in a room where you can shut the door when you are gone and leave the dog inside the room so the dog has access to outdoors and indoors. That way the cat can't escape. Or you can keep the cat in a secure room while you are gone so the cat can't escape.
And when you are there you can shut the dog door and play doorperson to the dog.