The Best Cat Doors
Cat doors are a lot more versatile than most people realize. You can set one up to allow your outdoor cat to get in and out of the house, add one to a closet door for litterbox access, or create an entrance to an enclosed catio. The tricky part is determining which specific one meets needs best.
What to Look For
As you decide which cat door to choose, we recommend you focus on your cat’s size, where you plan to install it, and whether or not you’ll need it to lock. For example, the Kitty Pass Interior Door has smooth edges that won’t catch your cat’s fur as they walk through. However, it doesn’t close, so it only works for indoor areas where your cat has free access. On the other hand, the Ceesc large locking cat door is ideal for providing your cat with outdoor access while protecting your home from intruders. These are only a couple of our favorites. You can see more below.
The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door
Adding a cat door to a closet or office can help you provide your cat with a private space to potty and an easy way to escape kids and other pets. That’s where The Kitty Pass interior cat door shines. It’s cute and easy to install, even with minimal building experience. Meanwhile, the edges are safely smoothed out, and you can paint it to match the surrounding area.
Pros:
- This indoor cat door helps you give your cat access to any space while allowing you to keep the actual doors closed.
- Since there is no flap on this door, most cats readily go through it, even if they’re generally fearful of other models.
Cons:
- You have to double-check that you get the correct template. Sometimes, the larger template gets sent out with the smaller door.
Purrfect Portal Interior Cat Door
The Purrfect Portal interior cat door is a fantastic compromise between flap-free access and security. It looks like one of the tiny doors from Wonderland. You almost feel like maybe you could shrink down and crawl through yourself. You can’t, but it’s a thought. The tiny door design is also functional, though, because while you would usually leave it propped open to provide your cat free access, you can lock it up if you need to keep it in or out of a specific area.
Pros:
- It’s perfectly sized for big cats, so they won’t have to crawl on their belly to get through like they would with comparable indoor cat doors.
- This is ideal if your cats have their own room. You can open it to let them access the rest of your house or close it to keep them inside.
Cons:
- Small to medium dogs may also fit through, so it may not work well for separating smaller pets.
Cathole Cat Door
Double-duty door
Is it a struggle to get your cat to stay still long enough for a good brushing? Do you have a long-coat cat with frequent hairballs? If you said yes to either question, we recommend Cathole’s interior cat door and grooming brush. It has all of the conveniences of any other interior door, with the addition of a built-in brush that automatically grooms your cat as they step through.
Pros:
- This door is super easy to install using the included stencil and straightforward instructions.
- You can use this door with or without the brush. It runs along a track inside the door for easy installation and removal.
Cons:
- The included screws are a little flimsy for solid doors. However, they do just fine if yours are hollow.
Ceesc Extra-Large Locking Cat Door
Exterior cat doors allow your outdoor cat to come and go as they please. They can also provide your indoor cat access to an enclosed porch or custom catio. We recommend the Ceesc extra-large locking cat door. It conveniently allows your cat to come in and out of your home freely while allowing you to lock it up tightly at night or anytime you’re away.
Pros:
- This roomy door allows cats well over 20 pounds to get through comfortably.
- Once your cat is through, this door seals itself to prevent drafts and help you keep your home at the set temperature.
Cons:
- The locks can get stuck, so we recommend checking them frequently and cleaning any debris that gets stuck in the cracks.
Ownpets Pet Screen Door
Magnetic convenience
The Ownpets Pet Screen Door is easily installed into any screen door to give your furry friends access your deck or enclosed porch. Its magnetic strips keep it closed while allowing your cat to get through with a little push and locking latches to stop it from opening altogether when you won’t be home. And because it goes into your screen instead of wood or metal, installation is much faster than most other exterior doors.
Pros:
- You can install it into a window screen to make it easier for your cat to access their catio or porch without opening an actual door.
- This door keeps bugs out while preventing your cat from scratching at screens and doors to be let in or out of the house.
Cons:
- While installation is easy, you may need help. That’s because you’ll need someone to hold it in place as you secure the screws, or it can slide around and slip out of place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my home is secure when I install an exterior cat door?
To keep your home secure and your family safe, you should always choose a locking exterior cat door. That way, you can lock it anytime you leave home or go to bed.
What tools do I need to install a cat door?
Most cat doors require you to have a jigsaw and a drill. The saw helps you cut out a section from your existing door or wall, while the drill helps you secure the cat door to it.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.