You may have heard of dog doors, but cat doors exist as well. Compared to dog doors, a kitty door is smaller and has a special cat flap that isn’t too heavy for them to move.
There are a variety of doors to choose from, including automatic cat doors, a window cat door, a microchip cat door, and even an interior cat door.
It’s important to consider what kind of space you have to offer, so if you need a cat door for a window or a cat door for sliding glass, there’s an option for each. Here are some of our top picks for the best cat door.
Best Cat Door
Cats will be able to access their favorite rooms with the PetSafe 2-Way Locking door installed.
Key Features
- Interior use
- Transparent flap
- 2-way lock
This is very easy to install onto indoor doors, cabinets, or closed off rooms to give your curious cat easy access to the home. It has a transparent flap so cats can get plenty of light to see where they are going.
A magnetic closure keeps the door secure and from sliding about. If needed, a 2-way lock system lets you lock the door on either side.
Pros
- Fits doors 1-2 inches thick
Cons
- Isn’t intended to be used on hollow doors
You can stay sitting comfortably without needing to open doors for your cat, thanks to the PetSafe 2-Way.
2. Cat Mate 4-Way
Cats will love having free access to closed rooms with the Cat Mate 4-Way Self Lining Door.
Key Features
- 4-way locking system
- Durable materials
- Built-in brush strip
This door is made of a transparent, durable polymer that cats can peek through without needing to stick their heads through. It has a draft and weatherproof brush seal with a magnetic closure so only pets can push it open, not the elements.
The 4-way locking mechanism allows you to lock the door on either side, so it’s set to out or in only.
Pros
- Has a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t work if the door is thicker than the cat door
- Cats taller than 14-inches will not fit
The Cat Mate 4-Way Self Lining Door is easy to install and simple for cats to get used to using.
3. Ideal Pet Products
Cats will love the freedom to see and go through to the next room with the Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap Pet Door.
Key Features
- Lockable flap
- Easy to install
You have the freedom to install this door for indoor and outdoor use without fear of it breaking apart. It’s durable to survive against high daily use and minor weather conditions. It has a 4-way locking mechanism so you can limit when and where your cat can go.
A magnetic strip keeps the flap securely closed when not in use. The cat door comes with easy to follow installation instructions.
Pros
- Has a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Size seems to be smaller than claimed
An Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap Pet Door gives cats the freedom they want and you time to relax.
4. Trixie
Give cats just as much freedom to move around the home as you do with the Trixie Two-Way Pet Door.
Key Features
- Flexible flap
- Two-way locking system
- Removable metal panel
The flexible flap moves with how your cat pushes through it, and does not force your cat to move a certain way to get through. When your cat does push through the door, you won’t hear it thanks to the silent-action from the plastic frame.
A two-way locking system lets you lock the door from being used on either side. There’s also a removable metal panel that can prevent intruders from coming in.
Pros
- Comes in two size options
Cons
- May not be as durable due to the lower quality materials used
The Trixie Two-Way Pet Door can give cats access to the home or restrict them with the metal panel included.
5. PetSafe Freedom Patio
Give your cats access to the outdoors without needing to keep your sliding door open when using the PetSafe Freedom Patio Pet Doors for Sliding Doors.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty construction
- Energy conserving flap
- Fits left and right sliding doors
This pet door has been made of heavy-duty aluminum and shatter-resistant tempered safety glass that is tough against heavy use and the elements. It also has the energy-conserving UltraSeal flexible flap that keeps the heat and the cold outdoors.
The pet door can be installed on sliding doors going left or right.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
- Available in five sizes
Cons
- Not compatible with vinyl doors
- Is difficult to install
Have security and ease of access for your cat’s outdoor needs with the PetSafe Freedom Patio Pet Doors for Sliding Doors.
6. High Tech Pet Products
The High Tech Pet Products Automatic Sliding Glass Pet Door lets your cat out when they want without needing your help.
Key Features
- Automatic sliding action
- Included collar
- Durable design
For the automatic properties of the door to work, your cat needs to be wearing the included MS-4 collar.
The door is made of bulletproof materials with a steel deadbolt lock. There’s also weather-stripping, a draft stopper, and an energy-efficient dual-pane that will keep the door up and going and prevent elements from the outside damaging it.
Pros
- Available in a regular and tall size
Cons
- The collar for the door seems to run out of batteries quickly
Any pet that wears the collar included with this cat door will be able to activate it.
7. PetSafe Window & Porch Screen
Cats will come as they please when they have access to the PetSafe Window & Porch Screen Pet Door.
Key Features
- Installs onto existing doors
- Sliding locks
- Durable frame
Installing it is easy, as it should attach to most existing screen doors and windows. It has a high-impact plastic frame that is durable against heavy use. There’re also sliding locks to prevent unwanted weather or guests from coming through the pet door.
Cats will love the easy to use flap and access to the outdoors without needing you to get up and open the door for them.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Customers claim that the door breaks easily, even during installation
The PetSafe Door fits on most existing doors and windows, so installation is easy.
8. Cathole
Add a touch of style to the doors your cat uses with the Cathole Cat Door with Brush.
Key Features
- Arch shaped
- Removable brush
- Quick installation
The arch shape of the door can be easily installed in flat hollow-core doors or six-panel doors in as little as 30 minutes. The fun arch shape has unfinished wood frames so you can paint it to match the door for a seamless blend.
Each door has a removable brush that grooms your cat as they use it. Your cat won’t have to struggle with a flap or be afraid of the door since it’s a hole.
Pros
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Size seems to run small
The Cathole Cat Door with Brush grooms your cats as they use it, making it functional in two positive ways.
9. Purrfect Portal
The Purrfect Portal lets only cats be able to go through the opening as they please.
Key Features
- Quick to install
- Safe opening
- For interior use
Your kitty will feel spoiled, being able to go through the cat-shaped pet door. It can be installed on hollow and solid doors with security screws to keep it stable. Cats shouldn’t be in danger of harming themselves as they pass through the door.
Installing is quick thanks to the self-drilling screws and no finicky tools to work with.
Pros
- Comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Is not tall enough for larger sized cats
Keep curious pets and toddlers out of your cat’s special places with the Purrfect Portal.
10. SureFlap
Use your cat’s unique Microchip so only they can use the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door.
Key Features
- Can store multiple Microchips
- 4-way manual lock
With just a push of the button on the easy to use interface, you can program your cat’s Microchip number. When the sensor reads your cat’s Microchip, it’ll automatically open the door for them.
Up to 32 Microchips can be stored and the door can read any Microchip or RFID collar tag. The 4-way lock gives you control over when your cat can go through the door.
You won’t have to worry about any cables as everything is compact and works with a simple button push.
Pros
- Comes with a 3-year Limited Warranty
Cons
- The door may not always completely close
The SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is automatic and prevents strays or other unwanted guests from entering unannounced.
11. Cat Mate Elite Microchip & I.D. Disc
Prevent unwanted animals from following your cat home with the Cat Mate Elite Microchip & I.D. Disc Cat Flap.
Key Features
- Uses Microchips
- 4-way locking system
- Weatherproof
Up to nine cats’ microchips can be stored on this cat flap. When a registered cat comes near, the door will unlock and allow them to go through the flap.
There is a 4-way locking system so you can decide which side remains unlocked or locked. You can track up to three cat’s activities when they went through the door using the A.A. battery-powered LCD screen.
As a plus, the door is weatherproof and draft proof thanks to the sealed flap.
Pros
- Has a 3-year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Some features allow pets to exit the pet door but not be able to get back in without a registered Microchip or I.D. Disc
The Cat Mate Elite Microchip & I.D. Disc Cat Flap is a must-have for the exploring cat.
12. PetSafe Electronic
Only pets wearing the tags included in the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor will be able to pass through.
Key Features
- Included SmartKey
- Insulated flap
- 3-way lock system
This pet door works by sensing the signal coming off of the SmartKeys included with the SmartDoor. When the door senses that the pet has passed through, it’ll close and lock back in place. You can program up to 5 SmartKeys all at the push of a button.
The flap is insulated with U.V. sun protection and offers a three-way locking system.
Pros
- Has a 1-year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Seems to take a while for the door to open and close automatically
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor is one of the easiest ways to allow cats to free roam as they please and stop intruders from using the pet door at their advantage.
Bottom Line
Cat doors are a great and easy way to give your cat space and freedom to move about their home without needing you to open doors for them. Some of these doors are meant for the average house cat, so if you need a large cat door, see if there are larger styles available in the one you like most.
You should also take into consideration if you are ok with the cat door being put somewhere permanently, otherwise, you should stick to a poppet door.
Once the factors of what you need are figured out, you should have no problem picking the best option for your cat and placing it where it needs to be. Your feline will surely love the extra freedom they are being given, and you will be grateful not to have to get up constantly to open doors for your cat.
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The Review
Best Cat Door
Kitties need a small door with a special cat flap not too heavy for them to move. Here are some of our top picks for the best cat door!
Review Breakdown
- PetSafe 2-Way Locking
- Cat Mate 4-Way
- Ideal Pet Products
- Trixie
- PetSafe Freedom Patio
- High Tech Pet Products
- PetSafe Window & Porch Screen
- Cathole
- Purrfect Portal
- SureFlap
- Cat Mate Elite
- PetSafe Electronic
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