Cats can go in and out of the house, much like dogs could. The problem lies in the fact that sometimes, cats could bring uninvited guests or leave the door open for the cold to go along with them. This is why you may be looking for the best cat door for them.
Cat doors are specifically designed to fit cats and not other bigger animals, such as dogs. They can also be less noisy due to the brush flaps on the sides while most of them even have RFID controls so you can lock non-microchip pets out!
Whether your cat likes to lounge more at home or if they are feral, a cat door can really help your household (and your guests) because you can even use it to mask away pet odors from your cat’s litter box.
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Best Cat Door Reviews
Here are our top picks for the best cat door:
1. The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door
Ideal for cats up to 21 lbs. of weight, this small yet safe door can allow your pet to go in and out with its wide opening without getting caught up.
With a measurement of 7.5 x 6.5 inches, it can fit most standard interior doors with a thickness of 1.25 to 1.75 inches.
It already has a semi-gloss white finish so it may fit most door styles and designs (you can also DIY paint it). You also don’t need to screw any holes when installing it so it won’t hurt your cat (or your eyes in terms of design).
Installation of this cat door can take from 15 to 25 minutes only as it has its own installation instructions and all the items you need. It can be used for interior door setups with a litter box on the other side.
2. Purrfect Portal Cat Door
Also made for the indoors when keeping litter boxes out of sight, this one also has a hole that fits cats easily due to the shape of the opening. It can be placed in any room inside your house with easy installation.
Measuring 1.75 x 1.25 inches, it has just the right size of opening without getting your cat’s tails and paws pinched (or your kids’, for that matter). All you need is a jigsaw and a screwdriver to install the cat hole in your door and it’s all set!
The design and size of the cat door can fit most cats up to 20 lbs. in weight. Thick and molded plastic is used to make it durable for long-term use.
Since it doesn’t have any flap on its design, it will also create less noise (and annoyance) for your kitty.
3. PetSafe Plastic Pet Door
If you want a cat door for cold weather then this one can be a choice for you due to its tinted flap, which can keep the draft and weather outside so your cat doesn’t feel cold indoors.
It can take cats up to 15 lbs. (for the small one) and up to 40 lbs. (for the medium one).
Installation is a breeze because it can fit into any interior or exterior door with up to 2 inches of thickness. The vinyl flap can be easy to go through so that your cat can exit and enter the house with ease.
The frame can also be painted so you can match it with your existing door color. The small cat door measures 5 1/8 inches x 7 5/8 inches overall. If installing in a metal door, you may need more tools.
4. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (White)
For those who want a microchip cat door, this one can be an option for you. You can set curfew time for your pet and you can also restrict access using its RFID system. This would work well if your pet has an implanted ID microchip. The system is programmable for up to 32 pets with simple steps.
Measuring 6 11/16 x 7 inches, this door only uses four C alkaline batteries with up to 12 months of battery life (it also has a low battery indicator). The durable frame is just right in materials and thickness for most homes with cats.
It is also applicable to glass walls, doors, and the like. Since it is an RFID-powered door, it can keep other unknown animals from getting inside your house, protecting your pet. This would apply best to homes that frequently have unwelcomed guests.
5. Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap
This magnetic cat door measures 2 3/8 inches on its self-lining feature and comes with two magnets to activate it. Since it is a magnetic door, it can be quiet in terms of action so your cat can enter and exit in a discreet manner.
Thanks to the brush strip, it also helps to reduce the noise levels of the cat door. Not to worry – the door comes with complete instructions for you to install it easily. With a required size of 6 5/8 x 8 5/8 inches, this door can fit most doors and only requires a 9V battery.
It works similarly to the RFID system but uses a magnet so that the pet can enter again. Because of its 4-way locking system, it can help protect and monitor your cat. Keep in mind that the collar magnet should be attached properly.
6. PetSafe Interior and Exterior Cat Door
Yet another RFID cat door, this one can work with those pets with 15-digit microchip numbers. It can be programmed to let up to 40 cats (or other pets) inside. It has a 4-way locking system to protect your cat (and your house) and it can fit most cats up to 17 lbs. in weight.
Measuring 5 9/10 in x 5 1/5 inches for the flap opening, this one only requires 4 AA batteries to run, which can last up to 12 months.
Since it has reinforced latches, it can also heighten the security and durability of the cat door.
This can also be a cat door for garage use due to its design – as long as your garage door is up to 2 inches thick. It even has weather stripping properties in case you want to use it for exterior doors.
7. Depets Large Cat Door
With a large size of 9.92 x 9.25 inches, this one can be installed on your door, window, or walls with its 4-way locking system. It is made with ABS plastic that is weather-resistant so it can be used as an exterior door.
There is a transparent flap that lets your pet see what’s beyond while the brush strip helps the door to reduce noise when entering and exiting. It comes with everything you need to install it, such as 8 screws, 8 screw caps, installation instructions, and the cat flap door itself.
It can fit cats even those up to 17 lbs. in weight, so it might be okay for big cats. You can even use it in a metal door due to its just-right thickness. It is even customizable so you can cut it thinner to fit most plywood.
8. Cathole Interior Pet Door
Made with grooming brushes on all the sides, this cat door not only provides entry and exit to your cat but it also grooms them nicely. It can be installed as short as 30 minutes and it can be used for hidden litter boxes in your home.
It can be used by cats as heavy as 20 lbs. with its design. You can remove the brushes when they need to be cleaned (or when you don’t like them). Because of the Baltic Birchwood for the arch, you can paint it however you want to match your door color or interior design.
Some have even used it for their walls so that they can easily hide the cat’s litter box from plain sight (and to hide its odors). For wall installations, you just need to fill the gap with anything such as a carpet.
9. CEESC Magnetic Cat Door
Yet another magnetic door, this one has a 4-way locking system that is rotary so it is manual.
It can also be ideal for weatherproofing due to the design of the flap. The brush strip also reduces noise when your cat gets in and out of the house using the door.
The screws are also designed in a unique way for easy screwing onto your chosen place of entry. You also have two choices for colors: white and black. Measuring 6.18 x 6.30 inches, this 2-inch thick cat door can also keep mosquitoes and other pests out.
If your cat has a waistline of 15.75 inches or lower, it can be used for them. All you need are basic tools, such as a drill, electric saw, screwdrivers, and the like. Some owners have also installed it in their garage door.
10. Lufei Cat Door
This simple and straightforward cat door has a 4-way locking system and can be used for both interior and exterior doors. It has a big size of 7.8 x 7.5 inches so it can fit most medium-sized cats. You can choose from different modes: free access, locked, out-only, and in-only modes.
Those who live in chilly areas can benefit from this because it can keep the cold air out. You can also use it in a garage space to keep small cats, such as kittens, from leaving the house. It can also be used on interior doors to lock away the smell of your cat’s litter box.
It can also work well even for small and young kittens although you may need to leave it open for a while, since they can be difficult for tiny paws to open, then install the flap later on.
Things to Consider Before Buying Cat Door
If you’re stuck, here are some guidelines you may want to know before buying the best cat door:
How do I choose the best cat door?
When choosing an ideal cat door for Tabby, here are things to consider:
- Locking system. Most doors for dogs and cats nowadays have a 4-way locking system and some even have RFID-based locking!
- The size of the cat door. Consider your cat’s circumference or weight so that rest assured: your cat will fit into the door.
- Installation method. The cat door must not be difficult to install. There is a plus point for a cat door that can be installed not only for interior doors, but also for exterior doors, glass, walls, and the like.
Why do I need a cat door?
Cat doors have a plethora of benefits to cats and owners:
- They keep the cold out and the warmth in. The main purpose of a cat door is that you can provide a separate entry for your cat so that you don’t have to open your door all the time.
- You can deter intruders from getting inside. RFID-integrated doors can keep non-microchip animals away from your home.
- You can restrict your cat’s movements. Does Tom need a curfew? Cat doors can be a solution for that.
- For keeping litter boxes away. You can also use cat doors for hiding your cat’s litter box behind a door or wall.
How do I install and use a cat door?
Just follow the instructions on installing the cat door as per manufacturer. You will most likely need:
- A drill
- An electric saw
- Some screwdrivers
- Rulers or tape measure
You just need to punch a hole out of your door (or wall) and install the cat door as instructed. Keep in mind that it needs to be done with adult supervision when the youngsters work on it.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, our top pick for the best cat door is The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door because it fits well with most cats due to the wide measurement and the easy installation that requires no hole screwing. It also has a stylish design and can be installed within 15 to 25 minutes. It can also fit most interior home doors due to the universal design.
While we also like other picks here, we chose this one because cat doors are mostly used for the indoors and this one is a no-fuss and a no-brainer in terms of installation methods.
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