The Best Cat Gates
If you live with cats, you know just how skilled they are at getting into places they aren't supposed to be. A cat's creativity truly knows no bounds. While there are a number of different methods out there to try and keep your crafty kitty from going into certain parts of your house, one method worth trying is setting up a cat gate. We've reviewed the best on the market to narrow down your search and help you choose the right one for your home.
What to Look For
To help you find the best cat gate for your home, we’ve researched some of the best pet gates currently available today. To help narrow down our selection we asked ourselves the following questions: Is this gate easy to install? Is it sturdy enough to hold up against pets climbing and pushing against it? Our top pick came from MyPet with its wide portable pet gate that excelled in terms of ease of installation and strength. To top it off, this was also the most affordable option on our list. We also loved Carlson Pet Products for building with both humans and pets in mind, providing entrances for people and pets without compromising on safety or stability. You’re sure to find a pet gate to suit your needs, so keep on reading below to learn about the rest of our favorites.
MyPet Paws Portable Pet Gate
For a cat gate that’s not only sturdy, super easy to use and install, adjustable, portable, and so much more, look no further than MyPet’s 40-inch wide portable pet gate. This gate requires no extra tools to install and does no damage to your walls once it’s up. It’s a super simple, affordable way to keep your cats from getting into more trouble around the house than they already do.
Pros:
- Installing this gate is quick and easy. It’s as simple as adjusting the gate to the proper width of your entranceway and locking the arm into place.
- We think this gate is very affordable, especially for the quality.
Cons:
- As the gate is 23 inches tall, some adult cats will be able to jump over the gate.
Petmaker Freestanding Folding Pet Gate
Simple security
Whether you plan to use it to block off doorways, hide the litterbox from sight, or keep foster kittens rounded up in their playpen, Petmaker’s freestanding wooden folding pet gate is perfect for cat owner’s who need a gate with a little more mobility. Whereas other cat gates usually just stay in one spot, this gate’s free moving functionality makes it easy to quickly section off different spots of your home from your cats as you need to.
Pros:
- We found that this gate is super lightweight and can be easily picked up and quickly repositioned to another area when needed.
- When you’re done with it, this gate neatly folds up for compact storage.
- Stylish and modern-looking, this pet gate looks aesthetically pleasing.
Cons:
- Some cats may be able to push through the gate or jump over it.
MyPet Extra Wide Walk-Thru Pet Gate
A heavy-duty door
When it comes to pets — yes, even cats — investing in truly durable products is very important. For a cat gate that’s going to hold up through it all, you’ll want MyPet’s Extra Wide Walk-Thru Pet Gate. Made of heavy-duty pressure-mounted metal bars, this gate is not only durable but also super secure. Not only that, but the lockable door ensures your cat won’t be able to push their way through so easily.
Pros:
- We found that it remains incredibly sturdy once the gate has been fully assembled and put into place.
- The vertical bars make it difficult for your cat to climb over.
- Installation is super easy and doesn’t require any tools or having to drill holes into your walls.
Cons:
- The thick bottom bar can be tripped over if you are not aware of it.
Carlson Pet Products Walk Through Pet Gate With Small Pet Door
Easy passage
This extra tall pet gate from Carlson Pet Products is perfect for families with cats and other pets sharing the same living space. The pressure-mounted design allows for a quick and easy setup that expands to fit openings between 29 – 36.5 inches wide. Plus, it also has a built-in small pet door to allow you to let your cats through when you want to.
Pros:
- We think the gate is super easy to put together and set up in any hall or doorway.
- Strong and sturdy, this gate easily dislodged when shaken or pushed around.
Cons:
- If the cat door is open, there is no latch to keep it in place, so it may not stay open on its own.
Retract-A-Gate by Smart Retract
Sturdy and see-through
For a cat gate that can easily slide away and out of sight completely, you’ll want the Retract-A-Gate. This gate can quickly be installed at any angle to easily block off any entranceway and keep your cats from entering certain areas of your home. Not only is the mesh effortless to clean, but it is also scratch-resistant and ready to hold up against your kitty’s claws.
Pros:
- This gate can be easily opened and closed even with just one hand.
- We learned that when the gate is locked, cats are kept on the other side of the gate and unable to climb underneath it.
- The mesh material provides a modern look while also allowing you to see through the gate and keep an eye on your cats on the other side.
Cons:
- While we think it’s well made and reliable, this pet gate is on the pricier side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my gate clean?
While it may vary depending on your gate’s material, most gates can be cleaned with water and mild soap. Wiping your gate down every so often is a good idea as this will keep the area clean of bacteria, pet fur, and other messes.
Is there a way to make my gate more secure?
If you find your gate is wobbling at all, you may want to mount the gate into the wall with screws. Most pet gates are pressure mounted and don’t require this, but if you find you aren’t achieving enough stability with the standard mount, screwing it into place might be your best option.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
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.