6 of the Best Cat Doors in 2024

Cat doors offer much convenience when it comes to letting your cat in and out of the house with ease. A decent cat door will be perfect for either a wall or a door and feature locks to keep your feline pet safe. With so many cat door options available, it can be hard to narrow down which ones are the best. 

Some of the best cat doors offered include:

• PetSafe’s Freedom Aluminum Dog Door
• Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Pet Door
• PetSafe Interior and Exterior Cat Door
• Ideal Pet Products Aluminum Sash Window Pet Door
• Purrfect Portal Built-in Interior Cat Door

There are so many uses for cat doors, whether it’s keeping your cat from going to certain areas in your home or allowing your cat to go indoors and outdoors. Because there are so many uses for cat doors, there are plenty of options to choose from. Let’s go over a few of the best options for common scenarios.

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Best Cat Door for Your Garage

PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Cat Door

Is your schedule planned around potty breaks? Let your four-legged friends come and go on their own time with the PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Dog and Cat Door. Designed to withstand wear and tear, the metal frame with its reinforced aluminum corners is great for active dogs and multi-pet households. 

The PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Dog and Cat Door is an easy to install solution for adding a cat door to your home. Made of solid aluminum framing, this cat door offers durable framing as well as an easy to access flap for your cat. With a bit of practice, your cat will be roaming through this door in no time!

This cat door is recommended for owners in need of a type of door that is easy to install. An added bonus as well is that this door is best suited for standard to smaller-sized cats, making it small enough to fit just about anywhere feasible. 

This cat door’s solid aluminum frame makes it the perfect addition to doors of all types. In addition to this, the solid material makes it durable and able to stand the test of time.

Some doors best suited for this cat door include:

• Metal
• Indoor/Outdoor Storm
• Wood
• PVC

Manufacturers Specs

• Sizes & Dimensions: Comes in sizes small (for animals less than 6.5 in tall), medium (for dogs less than 9 in tall), large (for animals less than 13.5 in tall), and X-large (for animals less than 21.5 in tall).
• Materials: Metal frame with aluminum corners, magnetic flap.
• Flap opening: 5-¼ in wide and 8-⅛ in tall.

What We Like

• Easy to install.
• Easy access for your cat to enter and exit.
• Aluminum framing makes it durable and able to withstand your pet’s use.

What We Don’t Like

• Only one solid color.
• May not be suitable for larger cats.

Summary

The size, ease of installation and durability make this pet door an excellent choice for most pet homes. Pet-safe has been making quality pet products for more than 30 years. And the best part is this cat door is priced at less than $50.

Best Cat Door for an Interior Wall

Purrfect Portal Built In Interior Pet Door

Check out Purrfect Portal, ideal for medium- to larger cats. This unique, patent-pending pet pass gives your cat easy back-and-forth access to his/her food & “bathroom” (even when the door is shut).

At the same time, it keeps your hungry pooch from gulping down all the cat food… and stops babies and toddlers from playing with poopy kitty litter. Plus, it helps keep all those cat-litter smells from stinking up the rest of your home.

The Purrfect Portal Built-in Interior Cat Door is extremely adorable and sure to brighten your friendly feline’s day with each use! It features a sleek design and cat silhouette cutout to complement your cat’s ears whenever he or she passes through. 

This cat door is designed for indoor use only and is perfect for interior doors or walls. Its sleek design is perfect for giving your cat access to things such as the litter box while also eliminating any odors that may arise. By adopting this product, you can use it as a portal for your cat compared to having to let your cat in and out to use the litter box.

In addition to the litter box, your cat can use this door to gain access to food, water, and other areas of your home without having to depend on you. It’s easy-to-install design makes it a great choice for those in need of a cat door that requires minimal assembly. 

Manufacturer Specs

• Dimensions: 6.5 in x 1.75 in x 8 in.
• Color: White

What We Like

• Short and easy installation process.
• Fits several interior door types such as solid and hollow core.
• Its flapless design is great for cats who don’t like flaps.
• Inexpensive

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t offer an option to block the opening.
• Some cats may not like the cat silhouette cutout.
• Not as sturdy compared to more secure cat door styles.

Summary

If you like cute, this is definitely it. The door is a great way to allow only the cat into his space and keep larger pets out. What a creative way to allow access to litter box furniture.

Best Door For Cold Weather

Ani Mate Cat Mate Large Cat Door

Specially developed for the largest cats or small dogs up to a shoulder height of (360mm). A secure, double point 4 Way locking mechanism gives complete control of your pet’s movement. Self-lining to (50mm) – ideal for all doors and thin panels.

The Cat Mate Anti Mate Cat Door is the perfect option for cat owners in need of a cat door with added security. Starting with its unique 4-way lock system, this cat door can be securely locked and unlocked, when needed, from both sides. This feature alone allows you to keep your cat from using it if preferred.

Another added security feature is the magnetic closure at the bottom of the cat flap. With this feature, the cat flap is automatically re-secured in place by the magnetic closure each time a cat passes through it. The magnetic closure also makes a cold draft and harsh weather less likely to affect you and your cat!

Features:

• 4-way lock system
• Weatherproof seal
• Magnetic closure
• Can be used with a magnetic cat collar
• Transparent cat flap

Manufacturer Specs

• Dimensions: 9.25 in x 2.25 in x 10 in
• Colors: White 

What We Like

• Weatherproof seal
• Magnetic closure keeps curious critters out.
• 4-way lock mechanism
• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• The magnetic closure is too strong, making it harder for the cat not used to it to push through.
• Features a hard flap that may be uncomfortable for some cats.

Summary

If have a need to lock your cat in or out, this is your door. The 3 year warranty is another plus for this door as well as the high customer reviews.

Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Cat Door

Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Cat Door

Whether you’re in a place with endless summers or harsh winters, we have the right pet door for your Ideal Pet. Our Ruff-Weather™ Pet Door was designed to handle all types of climate conditions while boasting great energy efficiency, thanks to this door’s double flap feature!

The Ruff-Weather Pet Doors offers a secure inner telescoping frame that is, you guessed, completely weatherproof! This cat door comes in 4 different sizes ranging from small to super large. It is best suited for cats 25 pounds or less.

Its unique design features double flaps that are secured in place by a magnetic closure each time a cat uses it. 

Manufacturer Specs

• Sizes & Dimensions: Small, medium, extra-large, and super large. Product dimensions are 11.25 in x 6 in x 18.13 in.
• Materials: Foam plastic and vinyl
• Color: White

What We Like

• Ideal for all climate conditions.
• The energy-efficient design supports proper insulation.

What We Don’t Like

• The energy-efficient double flaps have a small gap at the bottom that in part don’t make this product as energy efficient as claimed.
• Excessive rain may cause the door to leak.
• Not an ideal choice for cat owners looking for a low-budget cat door.

Summary

The durability and energy efficiency is what makes this door stand out. If you live where the summer is hot and the winter is cold, this could be the door for you. The double door flap makes this door perfect for all climates.

Best Microchip Door

PetSafe Microchip RFID Cat Door

The PetSafe Microchip Cat Door is the perfect solution for letting your cat out. The cat door reads your cat’s unique 15-digit microchip ID, and only allows access to the programmed pet – no more raccoons or stray animals in the kitchen!

The PetSafe Microchip Cat Door can program up to 40 pet identities, great for multi-pet households. The manual 4-way lock feature allows you to control your cat’s access – set it to lock at night to keep your kitty safely inside the house. 

The PetSafe Interior and Exterior Microchip Cat Door is perfect for allowing your cat to use it, all with the simple detection of your cat’s implanted microchip. With this unique feature, your cat has the freedom to enter and exit as it pleases without allowing unwelcome guests in with it.

This cat door features a 4-way locking system for exterior and interior use. With this feature, the cat door can be locked, unlocked, and used for entering only and exiting only. 

The microchip component allows the cat door to allow your cat access whenever it detects the microchip. Even better, you can program the door to detect multiple microchips if you have multiple cats! The batteries for this feature lasts up to 12 months. 

Manufacturer Specs

• Dimensions: 5.91 in x 5.51 in (flap dimensions) and 8.46 in x 9.33 in (frame dimensions)
• Materials: Plastic
• Color: White

What We Like

• Can be opened (going out) with your cat’s implanted microchip.
• Features a 4-way lock system.
• Fits most style of doors such as woods, PVC, metal, glass, etc.

What We Don’t Like

• The door flap closing mechanism could be considered rather disruptive by some owners.
• It is not super durable.

Summary

If you are looking for a door that can read your cat’s microchip, you are in luck because this is the door for you. And it works with multiple pets as long as you don’t have more than 40 pets.

Hakuna Pets Deluxe Aluminum Cat Door

This pet door is uniquely designed for doors, screens, and walls up to 2.76″ thick to allow your four-legged friend the freedom he or she needs for happiness and health.

The two-way controlled access allows your pet open access, with a magnetic centering flap to ensure the door shuts after each use, keeping out drafts and weather. You can also change the access to locked, with the locking panel keeping your pet inside or out.

Have complete peace of mind knowing that the Deluxe Aluminum Pet Door is designed to last and includes an industry-leading 3-year limited warranty.

The Hakuna Pets Deluxe Aluminum Cat Door by far offers the most versatility compared to the previously mentioned best cat doors. This modern and sleek design offers a 2-way lock system as well as a secure locking panel. This panel slides into place, guaranteeing an extra layer of security.

This cat door is perfect for owners of both cats and dogs, as either pet is able to use the door. 

Manufacturer Specs

• Sizes & Dimensions: Products come in sizes small, medium, large, and x-large. Product dimensions are 16.93 in x 26.77 in (for door flap) and 14.17 in x 23.62 in (for door frame).
• Materials: Aluminum and vinyl
• Colors: Black and white

What We Like

• Suitable for all wall and door types.
• The thickness of the door tunnel is adjustable.
• It features a secure locking panel for security.

What We Don’t Like

• The plastic screws provided for installation make it hard to assemble and secure the cat door.
• The magnetic strip that secures the flap may not hold up as well over time.

Summary

If you are looking for a door for large pets, this is a great option for you as it allows passage for dogs up to 220 pounds. Being available in black is another feature offered with this pet door.

What Is A Cat Door?

Cats are known for their often mischievous and skittish behavior, which makes many cat aficionados fall in love with them even more. While they are often depicted as dog’s worst enemy, most have a gentle temperament perfect to suit any home. Having a cat door in your home can make adjusting to the surroundings easier for your cat. 

Often, pet doors are automatically associated with dogs, however, pet doors are just as well suited for cats. This can have many wondering though, what is a cat door? Is there a difference between a cat door and a dog door? Depending on the type of door, there may not be a distinguishing between whether it’s a dog or a cat door.

A cat door is a small door that can either be placed in a wall or on a door. Often referred to as a pet flap, cat flap, or cat door, it is a small door that your cat can use to exit and enter a building or adjoining room. PetMD reminds owners that:

“Cat doors offer an excellent option for pet parents who want to manage their pet’s access to areas inside and outside the home.”

Cat doors are not to be confused with a pet gate or similar barrier, as a cat door only occupies a small opening in the wall or door it is placed in. A pet gate takes the place of a door or wall opening. Cat doors often have an array of features for your pet’s protection such as a hinged flap, weather resistance, and locking hatches.

Cat Door Features To Consider

When in search of the perfect cat door for your feline friend, it’s important to think about what features your cat would consider. For instance, if you know that your cat doesn’t enjoy squeezing through small places, try looking for a cat door with extra room for your cat.

Another feature to consider is the cat flap. This is the main component of a cat door, as it is what allows the cat to pass through whenever it uses the door. Think of it as the door essentially. Cat flaps can come in the traditional flap style, a sliding door style, and a simple open and close design. 

“Cats like being able to see where they’re going, so transparent flaps make them feel safer using the door. Soft door flaps drag along your cat’s back when she’s going through the door. Hard flaps are easier for cats to push through . . ..”

With the advancement of technology and innovation, cat doors have grown to include additional features such as electronic flaps, adjustable catches, as well as various locking mechanisms. In addition to these features, you should also consider these:

• The type of flap (electronic, weighted, hard, soft, spring-aided)
• The type of panels (soft vinyl, plastic, plexiglass, acrylic)
• Time controlled
• Sensor-equipped
• Automation
• The type of locking mechanism

A cat door that features a soft cat flap may be good for allowing your cat to move through the door easily. Likewise, if you prefer extra added security and protection for your cat, consider a door with a sensor or one that is time controlled. 

This prevents intruders from using the door and will only allow the door to operate during certain times of the day.

What Is A Cat Flap?

While the door as a whole refers to all of the components, a cat flap specifically refers to the portion of the door that allows your cat to enter and exit when preferred. A cat flap is named for the flapping movement it makes when a cat uses the door. The features specific to cat flaps have also grown to include extra security and convenience.

In addition to the concern of your cat being able to get through the door, another concern of many cat owners who have doors is intruders using it as well. Because a cat flap makes using the door easily accessible, it’s important to consider what features prevent intruders like squirrels, birds, and other curious creatures from using the cat door.

Luckily, features like an automatic locking flap and a sensor-controlled flap have lessened the chances of this occurring. 

Likewise, you can also manually lock the cat flap when it is not being used. Some cat doors even feature magnetic locks that can be unlocked with a special cat collar. Whenever the cat collar is detected, the flap will unlock.

Cat flaps come in a range of sizes and varying designs sure to make your cat’s use of the door simple and easy. Some even come big enough for a dog to use. A cat door equipped with a bigger flap is highly recommended for owners who own both a cat and a dog. 

Where To Place A Cat Door

Typically, a cat door is placed in a wall or door. This could be a garage door, a sliding door, and any other type of door suitable enough. The key aspect to consider when properly placing a cat door is the purpose that the door will serve. In addition to this, considering the best convenient place for the cat door is also an idea.

For instance, your cat may enjoy stepping outside for fresh air every now and then. In this case, you would want to install the cat door on an actual door. Doing so would give the cat easy access to the outside. If you would like to give your cat easy access to their litter box that’s in a different room, you should place the cat door in a wall.

When looking for the best spot to place a cat door, consider:

The size of your cat – This will ultimately determine the best size of cat door to get. As a result, this will also influence the size of the cat door, which will then determine how much space it takes up. Having a smaller cat comes with its perks, as the door will not need to be as big.

The size of the area – If you have a narrow door or the designated wall space isn’t large enough, you may need to reconsider where you place the cat door. Other aspects such as door frames, wall outlets, and door type should also be considered.

The size of the cat door – Taking proper measurements of the cat door is important for understanding how much space it will take up. Pet doors that are usable by both dogs and cats may be larger depending on the size of the pet it accommodates. 

Before placing the cat door, measure your cat. Once you have the proper measurements, you can find a cat door with a flap that is big enough for your cat. Whether you choose to place the cat door in a wall or door, take note of the thickness of each. If either or too thick, the cat door may not fit properly. 

How To Get A Cat Through A Cat Door

As mentioned before, some cats are naturally uneasy feeling when it comes to being introduced to new things and concepts. Being introduced to anything new, whether animal or human, can be a bit scary at times. For this reason, don’t be deterred if your cat isn’t naturally willing to use the cat door.

If your cat jumps through the door on the first try, that’s great also! For those owners of cats unwilling to use the door, it may take some training and extra encouragement to get your cat through the door. Sometimes having another pet in the home that uses the cat door is an added bonus. This can influence a reluctant cat to use the door.

For kittens especially, learning to use the cat door can be quite a daunting task. Kittens tend to be frightened of unfamiliar sounds, especially if they are newly introduced to their new surroundings. Some may also jump at the sound of the flap closing behind them or their tail getting caught as they go through the door.

Propping the cat flap open may be the best starting point in training your cat to use the door. This will allow your cat to go through without having to encounter the flap and risk getting stuck in the door. At the beginning of the process, it may take slowly guiding your cat through the door. Introducing a reinforcement like a tasty treat should help!

How to Help a Scared Cat Get Used to a Cat Door

Some cats have a harder time than others getting used to this strange new hole in the door. For them, we have a few tips to help:

• Make sure to take it slow! Cats, like any animal, need time to get used to new objects or changes in their environment.
• Start by taping the cat door completely open. This way, your cat (or kitten!) can walk through unimpeded. As any cat owner knows, cats hate things touching them when they don’t expect it. This helps them get past that hurdle.

Is A Cat Door for You?

It’s important to take note that not all cats like cat doors. It’s important to take note that not all cats like cat doors. Likewise, not all humans are expected to like them either. As many conveniences having a cat door can provide, there are some downsides to consider as well.

For instance, if you have an exterior and interior cat door, there’s the chance of insects and other outside pests coming into your home. This goes for harsh weather as well. While some cat doors protect against the weather, that protection isn’t always foolproof. 

Aside from these minor downsides, having a cat door may actually be beneficial to you. Think of it, you’re able to control what places of your home your cat has access to. Not only are giving your cat access to certain areas, but you’re able to manage that access in a better way. 

The only way to tell if a cat door is for you is to try it! Especially since you can’t just ask your cat directly. If you’re not up to installing a cat door before asking your cat, consider your cat’s personality type. If your cat is not fond of squeezing through smaller spaces in general, this may not be for you.

Final Thoughts

Cat doors are a great addition to any cat owner’s life, especially those who have active cats who roam often. When in search of the best cat door, it can be easy to consider your concerns and needs first. It’s important to remember, however, to consider the needs of your cat. 

Ultimately, your cat will be the one using the door, so it comes down to their personality. Some cats will take better than others, but kittens trained with them from their childhood are more likely to take to them.