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Home > Cats > 10 Best Cat Doors (For All Door Types) in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

10 Best Cat Doors (For All Door Types) in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat coming out of a cat doorCat doors and cat flaps give your cat improved freedom. They can go in and out whenever they like, as long as you haven’t locked the door to prevent it. Doors also give you greater freedom. There’s no more having to get up at 6 am to let the cat out or rush to the door to let your feline friend in when you hear a fight. However, not only are all cats different but so are our living situations.

Thankfully, there are cat doors to meet pretty much any requirement, but this does make it difficult to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together reviews of ten of the best cat doors for all door types, including those for sliding doors, internal, external, and even garage doors. Read on to find the one that is right for you and your cat.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap
  • Simple locking mechanism
  • Includes door liner for a precise fit
  • Brush-sealed flap stops wind and rain
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Cat Mate 4-Way Lining Door Cat Mate 4-Way Lining Door
  • 4-way locking mechanism
  • Suitable for larger cats
  • Self-lining
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    High Tech Automatic Pet Door High Tech Automatic Pet Door
  • Control each pet’s access individually
  • Kickproof, airtight, and waterproof construction
  • Large door suitable for multi-pet households
  • Best for Interior Doors
    Cathole Cat Door With Brush Cathole Cat Door With Brush
  • Fits on virtually any internal door
  • Includes a grooming brush attachment
  • Can be painted to match decor
  • Best for Exterior Doors
    Petsafe Weather Pet Door Petsafe Weather Pet Door
  • The triple flap design is energy efficient
  • Extra internal panel slides over the inside of the door
  • Excellent wind barrier
  • The 10 Best Cat Doors

    1. Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap With Door Liner – Best Overall

    Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap with Door Liner

    Dimensions: 6.5” x 7.625” x 7.875”
    Flap Size: 5.25” x 6.25”
    Lockable?: Yes

    The Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap/Door With Door Liner is a relatively simple, two-way cat flap with a magnetic locking mechanism. The lock is a very basic control, offering only locked or unlocked. It comes with a template so that you can cut an accurate hole in the door, and it includes a door liner that can be cut down to size and to fit any door.

    The flap itself is a transparent polymer that is tough but still allows your cat to see through and is easy enough for most cats to push through when it’s unlocked, but secure enough to prevent them when it is locked. The brush-sealed flap does a decent job of preventing rain and wind from whistling in through the door.

    The Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap is well priced, comes with a liner that helps ensure a decent fitting, and it does offer a basic locking mechanism, although it does not offer any kind of recognition or precise access control. The inclusion of the door liner, the intuitive locking, and the brush-sealed flap make this the best overall cat door.

    Pros
    • Decent price
    • Simple locking mechanism
    • Includes door liner for a precise fit
    • Brush-sealed flap stops wind and rain
    Cons
    • No access control
    • May be too small a flap for large cats

    2. Cat Mate Large Cat 4-Way Self Lining Door – Best Value

    Cat Mate Large Cat Small Dog 4-Way Self Lining Door

    Dimensions: 11.25” x 9.25” x 10”
    Flap Size: 6.625” x 7.5”
    Lockable?: Yes

    The Cat Mate Large Cat/Small Dog 4-Way Self Lining Door is similar to the lockable cat flap at the top of the list except that it has a larger flap for bigger cats, and it has a four-way locking mechanism. Four-way locking means that you can choose between in only, out only, locked, or unlocked. This means that you can, for example, let your cats get back in the house at night but prevent them from getting out again until you change the lock in the morning.

    It has the same durable polymer door that allows your cat the security of seeing in and out. It’s also brush-sealed, so it prevents wind and rain from getting in, and it has a magnetic latch so it won’t flap around in the wind and cause rattling in bad weather.

    It’s self-lining, which means that it will work on doors of most thicknesses without having to add any extra liner, although it isn’t suitable for use in walls and may struggle with some extra thick doors. It is cheap, though, and its combination of low price and decent features makes it our choice as the best cat door for all door types, for the money.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • 4-way locking mechanism
    • Suitable for larger cats
    • Self-lining
    Cons
    • Quite a basic model
    • Not completely airtight

    3. High Tech Pet Products Automatic Pet Door – Premium Choice

    High Tech Pet Products PX-2 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door

    Dimensions: 40.6” x 16”
    Flap Size: 16” x 12.38”
    Lockable?: Yes

    If the basic lock and unlock, or even the four-way locking mechanisms, on the doors above don’t offer enough control, the High Tech Pet Products PX-2 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door has some of the most comprehensive locking and power features of any pet door.

    It is large enough that it is suitable for multi-pet households that include dogs as well as cats, and it includes an RFID and microchip reader so it can work with existing pet microchips or with the provided High Tech Pet Microsonic Collar. Depending on your lock setting, as the door detects one of these approaching, it will automatically open and then close behind the pet. Your cat doesn’t even have to push the door open. You can also set the access for each pet individually, which means that you can allow the cat in and out while preventing the dog from being able to get out. You can allow one cat in and out whenever it wants and ensure that another cat is only allowed to enter the property in the evening and not be allowed back out again.

    The PX-2 is designed to be kick-proof, the door is airtight and waterproof, and it offers the choice of plug-in or battery-powered. These features do come at a cost, however, as this is an expensive cat door option. It is also controlled by a set of buttons in the top corner, and it can be fiddly to get exactly the access settings you require.

    Pros
    • Control each pet’s access individually
    • Kickproof, airtight, and waterproof construction
    • Large door suitable for multi-pet households
    Cons
    • Very expensive
    • Fiddly controls to operate everything

    4. Cathole Door With Brush – Best Cat Door For Interior Doors

    Cathole Cat Door with Brush

    Dimensions: 5.5” x 6.5” x 2”
    Flap Size: 5.5” x 6.5”
    Lockable?: No

    The Cathole Cat Door With Brush is designed for internal use: specifically, it is meant as a means of allowing cats to gain access to a utility room or bathroom where their litter trays are, without you having to leave the door open or act as a butler. It also lets your cats escape from marauding toddlers or playful puppies to a room of their own.

    There is no actual door, which is both a blessing and relief. It is a blessing because you won’t have to listen to the flap rattling every time a cat runs through it, but it doesn’t prevent cold draughts from whipping up from the basement.

    The door also has a removable brush that can groom your cat whenever it heads through. It is said to be appropriately sized for cats that weigh up to 20 pounds, although it would be very small for cats of this size and stature, even with the brush section removed.

    Pros
    • Fits on virtually any internal door
    • Includes a grooming brush attachment
    • Can be painted to match decor
    Cons
    • Quite expensive for a simple design
    • No flap or door

    5. Petsafe Extreme Weather Pet Door – Best Cat For For Exterior Doors

    PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door

    Dimensions: 12.36” x 21.01” x 24.15”
    Flap Size: 10.1” x 16.8”
    Lockable?: Yes

    In some climates, even the smallest cat flap can open your home up to howling winds, and most flaps are not sealed airtight even when locked. The Petsafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door is designed for hot and cold climates, so it will allow you to either retain heat or cold depending on your preferences.

    The door is heavily insulated and features a triple flap. The triple flap essentially acts as a triple barrier against wind, so if there is a strong gust that moves the first flap, it is unlikely to move the second and is very unlikely to move the third, preventing cold air from getting in. Strictly speaking, there isn’t a locking mechanism on this door, but there is a panel that slides over the inside of the pet door, preventing animals from getting in or out. Separately, there is an external panel that is also available and can further prevent bad weather from getting in.

    Some cats may not be too keen on pushing the three flaps open to get in, but they do a good job of preventing heat loss or cold loss from your house.

    Pros
    • The triple flap design is energy efficient
    • An additional internal panel slides over the inside of the door
    • Excellent wind barrier
    Cons
    • Locking isn’t easy
    • Some cats may refuse the tripe flap

    6. Ideal Pet Products Screen Pet Door – Best Cat Door For Garage Doors

    Ideal Pet Products Screen Fit Pet Door

    Dimensions: 13.5” x 10.625” x 12.625”
    Flap Size: 7 x 11.25”
    Lockable?: Yes

    Garage doors tend to be made of thin metal. The garage itself is also a potential safe haven for your cats, or for those that visit your garden, and you provide regular care for. The Ideal Pet Products Screen Fit Pet Door has a slim design so can be used on screen doors as well as thin garage doors. It has a sliding lock which is basic but allows you to lock or unlock it, as required.

    There are also magnetic corners, which keep the flap in place and prevent too many draughts from getting into your garage. The flap itself is supposed to accommodate pets weighing up to 20 pounds and it does have generous proportions to support this. The magnet that keeps the door shut when not in use is quite strong, which is good because it does prevent the flap from blowing open, but more timid cats may not be willing to push it that hard to open.

    Pros
    • The slim design is suitable for thin metal doors
    • Cheap
    • Locking
    Cons
    • Very limited locking controls
    • Door magnet might be too strong for small cats

    7. Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap – Best Cat Flap

    Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap

    Dimensions: 9.5” x 7.625” x 7.875”
    Flap Size: 5.25” x 6.25”
    Lockable?: Yes

    The Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap is basic and simple. It easily attaches to the thin panel of uPVC doors and in other thin doors that are up to 0.5 inches thick. It has a single locking mechanism that allows you to choose between locked and unlocked, and it has a tough polymer flap that is transparent so that your cat can see through but not easily broken.

    It includes fitting instructions and a template to ensure that you cut the right size hole, and there is a magnet that keeps the door closed when not in use. Despite the manufacturer claiming that it is suitable for cats up to 20 pounds, it is only large enough for medium and small adult cats. If your moggy is bigger than this, it will be difficult to persuade them to squeeze through the gap.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Can be locked or unlocked
    • Transparent flap lets cats see in and out
    Cons
    • Locking options are very basic
    • Too small for large adult cats

    8. PetSafe Freedom Pet Sliding Doors – Best Cat Door For Sliding Glass Doors

    PetSafe Freedom Patio Pet Doors for Sliding Doors

     

    Dimensions: 14.33” x 13.5” x 81”
    Flap Size: 10.1” x 16.8”
    Lockable?: Yes

    Sliding glass patio doors pose a problem for the installation of traditional cat flaps. You can’t safely saw a hole in the glazed panel, and, even if you could, the extruding section of the frame would prevent the door from sliding back and forth.

    The PetSafe Freedom Patio Pet Doors For Sliding Doors circumnavigates this problem because it is essentially a narrow door section that is fitted to the top and bottom tracks of your existing door. It has a glazed panel at the top and a pet door at the bottom. You do need to ensure that you choose the right height of panel that will comfortably but snugly fit between your tracks. The panel is aluminum framed and shatter-proof while the glazed panel is shatter-proof. The flap is energy-conserving, preventing hot or cold air from getting out.

    The included weather stripping helps further protect your home from the cold. This door is suitable for medium dogs and any size cat, and it can be locked to prevent entry and exit. It is quite expensive but represents the best option for those with sliding glass doors.

    Pros
    • Allows you to add a pet door to sliding glass doors
    • Weatherproof to prevent the cold from getting in
    • Suitable for all cat sizes and medium dogs
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
    • Basic locking options

    9. Petsafe Aluminum Weather Pet Door – Best Cat Door For Cats & Dogs

    PetSafe Aluminum Extreme Weather Dog & Cat Door

    Dimensions: 13” x 12.8” x 19.6”
    Flap Size: 10.3” x 16.3”
    Lockable?: Yes

    If you’re looking for a pet door and live in a multi-pet household that includes dogs as well as cats, you will need a larger door. The Petsafe Aluminum Extreme Weather Dog & Cat Door has a 10.3” x 16.3” flap, which is suitable for all cats and medium-sized dogs.

    It has an aluminum frame that is strong and robust, as well as a three-flap system that prevents pretty much all weather and cold air from getting in. While there isn’t a locking mechanism, there is an additional panel that slides on the inside of the door to stop animals from getting in or out and essentially offering the same features as a lock.

    The plastic frame can be painted any color to match your door or to give it a pop of color. It is an expensive door and some cats may struggle to push the flaps open, but it is very good at keeping the weather out and letting most pets come and go as they, and you, please.

    Pros
    • Lets cats and dogs enter and exit your home
    • A Three-flap system prevents wind and rain from getting in
    • The aluminum frame is strong
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Basic locking system

    10. Plexidor Performance Pet Doors Wall Mount Cat Door

    PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door

    Dimensions: 16 7/16″ x 20 1/2″
    Flap Size: 11 3/4″ x 16″
    Lockable?: Yes

    It isn’t always practical to have a pet door in your own rear or front door. You may not want to give the pets access to the room on the other side of the door, or you might want to give them access to a room that doesn’t have direct access to the exterior of a property, for example.

    With the Plexidor Performance Pet Doors Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, you can mount it in any stud, brick, block, or cement wall and it includes the aluminum wall tunnel and all items required, except any timber that might be needed to construct an internal tunnel. The aluminum frame is not only strong but scratch resistant and is neutral so will go with any internal design.

    It is suitable for cats up to 24 pounds, which means most adult cats will be able to easily enter and exit. There is also a four-way locking mechanism, which allows you to offer in-only, out-only, locked, or unlocked settings. The door also has a spring-loaded design, so it is easier even for smaller cats to push open.

    Pros
    • Can be mounted in stud, brick, block, or cement walls
    • Includes everything you need
    • The spring door is easy to push open
    Cons
    • Expensive

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing The Best Cat Doors (For All Door Types)

    Most cats think they’re royalty. They have us running around putting out food, paying them attention when they want it, and, in a lot of cases, opening and closing the door according to their whims and fancy. While there isn’t much that can be done about their general haughty attitude, a cat flap or cat door does prevent you from having to act like a butler or doorman for your feline friend.

    When shopping for your cat’s new point of entry, there are certain factors and features that you need to consider:

    • Installation Type – we don’t all have the same uPVC rear doors with a thin bottom panel. Some owners have wooden doors. Others do not have a back door that they really want to use as a cat entry point. Furthermore, not all cat owners are looking to provide a way into the house.

    The garage can act as an excellent haven containing cat food, water, and a blanket or bed, while using a cat door between the main area of the house and the utility room enables you to keep the litter smell in the lesser-used areas of the home and still ensure your cat can get to it whenever it needs to.

    Consider where you want your cat door to go, the material it will need to be installed into, and the thickness, and then look for an appropriate pet door that can be used.

    • Cat Size – Some cats are dainty little felines. Others are huge creatures. You can face problems, in both cases, if you buy the wrong size cat flap. Too big a flap can be difficult and intimidating for a small cat, while also potentially allowing access to wild predators. Too small a flap and your portly chap won’t be able to squeeze through.

    Measure your cat when it is stood up fully and ensure that the flap dimensions allow easy access with a little room around the sides to allow for any “winter weight” change.

    • Weatherproofing – Cat doors are convenient for you and your cat, but they do open up a part of your door or wall to the outside world. They can enable hot air to escape in winter and cold air in summer.

    Look for cat doors that include weatherproofing, which can be found around the frame itself as well as on the flaps. Double or triple-layered flaps do well at preventing wind from getting in, and so too do those with magnetic seals that prevent the flap from blowing open but can still be pushed open by your cat.

    Cat going through the cat door
    Image By: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
    • Locking – There are times when you don’t want your cat to get out, or even back in, the house. A basic locking mechanism allows you to lock the door to stop entry and exit. A four-way locking system means that you can choose to only allow cats in, only allow them to get out, or have the door completely locked or unlocked.

    Some more complex systems enable you to lock the door at certain times in one or both directions, and when combined with a cat recognition system even allow you to allow one or several cats entry while restricting others to certain times.

    • Cat Recognition – Some cat flaps can detect when a permitted cat approaches the flap. It then unlocks while that cat passes through and locks again afterward. These systems can work with existing cat ID microchips or they include an RFID reader and a collar.

    Cat recognition can also work with locking systems so that you can offer entry or exit at certain times, for certain cats.

    • Other Pets – Some pet doors are designed specifically for cats, while others are designed for cats and dogs.

    Obviously, dog doors tend to be larger, and the weight of the door can be difficult for a cat to push open. Those that are designed for dogs and cats should have a door that is easily pushed by pets of any size.

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    Conclusion

    Cat doors are convenient because they allow your cat to come and go as they please, and according to your lock and unlock settings. They take many forms and are designed for use with many different types of doors, walls, and other surfaces.

    Above, we have included reviews of the best cat doors for all door types to help you find the best for your circumstances, but we found that the Cat Mate Lockable Cat Flap With Door Liner was the best overall cat door while the slightly less expensive Cat Mate Large Cat/Small Dog 4 Way Locking Cat Door was the best on a budget.

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    Featured Image Credit: JRJFin, Shutterstock

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