The Best Exterior Cat Doors
If you're tired of opening your door all day to let your cat in and out, we'd suggest that there is an easier way. Exterior cat doors are simple to install and allow your cat to explore the outdoors as they please. While traditional cat doors have a basic flap, others have locking systems and covers to keep your pet inside if you want them to stay put. We've rounded up a few of our favorite exterior cat doors to help you pick one for your furry friend.
What to Look For
After researching exterior cat doors, we found that the best ones are durable, secure, and easy to install. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the PetSafe cat door. The heavy-duty plastic frame is strong enough to install in a wood, metal, or PVC door. There is a single flexible flap with a magnetic strip along the base to help it stay shut when not in use. And there are simple assembly instructions to help with the installation. We also love the cat door from Lynx because of its four-way locking system. Whether you want to give your cat complete freedom or prevent them from roaming whenever they please, this door provides options. Keep reading to discover your new favorite exterior cat door.
PetSafe Plastic Pet Door
Durable design
Installing a cat door doesn’t have to be a complicated or strenuous process, especially with this one from PetSafe. After cutting a hole in your exterior door, the durable plastic frame seamlessly slots in and stays secure with the provided screws. This cat door is available in multiple sizes to accommodate your pet. And the flexible plastic flap sits in place thanks to the magnetic strip along the base.
Pros:
- We found that you can install this cat door in a metal, PVC, or wooden door.
- This cat door includes a snap-on panel to keep your pet indoors and protect against drafts.
- You can paint the cat door frame to match the color of your door.
Cons:
- Installing this cat door requires owning or renting electric power tools.
Depets Locking Cat Door
High quality, low price
As a cat owner, you know how easy it can be to spoil your pets. But with this affordable cat door, you can save money and still give them the freedom to roam outside. Depets’ cat door includes everything you need to install it on an exterior door, cabinet, or window. You can lock the sturdy plastic flap in place or keep it open depending on the time of day. And the fuzzy brush strip prevents the door from making too much noise if your cat returns home at night.
Pros:
- The door seals tightly when shut, so it’s water-resistant.
- Your pet will be able to see if anything is on the other side of the clear flap before they step through the door.
Cons:
- This cat door is only available in one size.
Baboni Cat Door with Telescoping Tunnel
Convenient construction
While cutting a hole in an exterior door is fairly simple, cutting a hole in the side of your home is a little more complicated. But with the right tools and some confidence, you can cut a clean hole for your cat’s new door. This one from Baboni has two doors that meet in the middle with a seamless metal tunnel. The adjustable tunnel is compatible with brick, concrete, wood, PVC, and stucco, so you can give your cat their own secret entrance.
Pros:
- There are flexible door flaps on both sides of this cat door, sealing the space when not in use.
- You can slide the included metal closing panel onto the interior door to keep your cat from leaving the house.
Cons:
- This cat door isn’t as affordable as other options.
Lynx Locking Exterior Cat Door
Safe and sound
This sturdy cat door allows you to stay in control of your cat’s comings and goings with the turn of a knob. Lynx’s adorable cat-shaped door includes a cutting template and hardware for easy installation. And the four-way locking system gives you the option to lock, unlock, or only let the door swing in one direction to keep your cat safe. This cat door is made from high-quality plastic and won’t look tacky or out of place in your home.
Pros:
- This cat door is scratch-resistant, so it will always look its best.
- It extends to fit on doors measuring one to two inches thick.
Cons:
- The opening will likely be too small for cats over 12 pounds.
Cat Mate Elite Cat Door
Welcome to the future
While having a cat door is convenient, it can also turn into an annoyance when unknown cats start wandering into your home. Cat Mate’s advanced cat door uses identification technology, meaning the door only unlocks when it senses that your cat has returned. The identification chip hangs from your cat’s collar, so it won’t get in the way when they rest or play. Plus, you can control the locking mode on this door depending on whether you want your pet to stay inside or outside.
Pros:
- You can program this cat door with identification chips for up to nine pets.
- The brush seal keeps out wind, rain, and other undesirable weather.
Cons:
- Your cat must lightly press the flap while wearing their identification tag to unlock it. But it could take time to train your pet, especially if they are nervous or timid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should you install an exterior cat door?
Generally, cat doors are installed on the back door of the house. If you have two back doors, we recommend putting the cat door on the one where your cat will have the easiest access. The same goes for installing the cat door on an exterior wall. You may want to create an entrance for your cat into the garage, laundry room, or other space where they sleep, eat, or use the litter box. This will make them feel comfortable and safe whenever they return home through their cat door.
How do you train a cat to use an exterior cat door?
Start by keeping the flap open, showing them they can access the outdoors through this hole. Holding onto your cat’s favorite treats, stand on the other side of the cat door and encourage them to jump through the hole. After they have mastered the technique, you can close the flap. They will have to learn to move through the cat door in both directions, so continue using treats and demonstrating what they need to do. As long as you are patient with them and give them plenty of love, they will get the hang of 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.