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Cat doors aren’t just for indoor/outdoor cats. Many households use them for cats that are strictly indoors, installing a “cat flap” in an interior door to provide a cat with easy access to a laundry room litter box. A cat door is also a great solution if you have an outdoor catio—it lets your kitty wander in and out without meowing at you to open the door. You can even install a cat door in a wall to allow passage between rooms.
Those of us who’ve installed a lot of cat doors over the years have one tip—make sure to install it at the right height. You want to make sure that the sill is at a height where the cat can step through easily without having to climb up or duck down.
The 7 Best Cat Doors
We’ve assembled a list of cat doors for just about any situation. Some are simple flaps and others are complex mechanical and electronic devices. One even connects to wifi. A few require magnets or microchips, ensuring that other cats (and wild animals) won’t get in the cat flap entrance. There’s even a model for sliding glass doors.
Whichever cat door you choose, be sure to carefully measure your cat and double-check the installation guidelines before purchasing. After all, you want to ensure that the cat door fits in your home—and that your cat fits through the door.
PetSafe Interior Four-Way Locking Cat Door
This low-profile interior cat door is ideal for granting your small cat (up to 15 pounds) access to cabinets, closets, and rooms in the house. The four-way security lock allows you to choose between four options—in-only access, out-only access, open, and locked. Suitable for interior doors that are 1 1/8 to 2 inches thick.
What we like about it:
- Detailed installation instructions include cutting template and hardwood
- A four-way slide lock lets you control access
- Transparent flap door is easy for cats to see through and use
PetSafe Exterior Four-Way Locking Cat Door
This exterior cat door is designed to fit even hefty kitties (up to 25 pounds). The four-way security lock allows you to choose between four options—in-only access, out-only access, open, and locked. (The “in-only setting” is great when you want your cat to come in and stay in for the night.)
What we like about it:
- Detailed installation instructions
- A four-way lock lets you control access
- Works on both interior and exterior doors
PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel
This flap for sliding doors is designed to fit into the track of your sliding screen or glass door. Secure it in place and you can reliably close the door while still letting your pet move in and out. A perfect solution for homes with sliding doors that lead to balconies, patios, or catios.
What we like about it:
- Easy to install and remove, making it great for rentals
- Flexible flap uses magnetic closure to keep it in place
- Slide-in closing panel lets you control your cat’s access
- Sturdy aluminum frame (in your choice of satin white or bronze) stands up to regular use
Note: Be sure to look at the measuring instructions and to accurately measure your sliding door before ordering.
Shop on ChewySash Window Pet Door
A cat door that fits in a window? That’s right! This sash window version lets your cat go in and out without taking the A/C with them.
What we like about it:
- Easy window mount lets you install a cat door without sawing a hole in your door or wall
- Clear, rigid plastic flap can be locked when not in use
- Works for cats up to 25 pounds
SureFlap Microchip Cat Door
This electronic flap is like giving your cat their own key to the house. It doesn’t open unless it recognizes your kitty’s unique microchip.
What we like about it:
- Only cats wearing a programmed microchip can get in the door (it can be set to recognize up to 32 cats)
- Installs in any door, window, or wall
- Manual four-way lock lets you control when your cat comes and goes
If you want a door that will control which cats can get out (as well as which ones can get in), SureFlap also makes a dual-scan electronic cat door.
Shop on ChewySureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect
Do you want immediate information on your kitty’s comings and goings? This internet-connected version of the SureFlap works with the SureFlap Connect Pet Door Hub (sold separately) to send that information to your computer or phone. You can also use the app to change the door’s four-way lock settings remotely. If your cat is not microchipped, this door can also be used with a SureFlap RFID Collar Tag.
What we like about it:
- Can be quickly programmed to recognize most brands of implanted microchips
- Installs in walls or doors made of wood, PVC, drywall, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass
- Includes remote-controlled four-way lock
Solo Automatic Pet Door
Have raccoons ripped the plastic flap off your locking microchip door? If so, consider this model. It’s pricey, but a great solution for homes where pets want to come and go but raccoons are a serious problem. Each door is custom built to the measurements you provide. It requires that your cat wear a special magnetic tag and instead of a flap that a raccoon can grab and pull off, these plexiglass doors move up (to open) and down (to close) in a secure frame. It must be plugged into an electrical outlet for the door mechanism to work.
Find on Solo Pet DoorsFurther Reading
- Safe and Warm: Outdoor Cat Houses to Shelter Your Kitties
- The Best Portable Catios to Keep Kitty Safe
- Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats: What to Know Before Deciding
- How to Buy or Make Your Own Catio
