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8 Best Cat Doors (for All Door Types) – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Oliver Jones

By Oliver Jones

cat in a cat door with brush

Since cats are such independent creatures, it’s important for them to have their freedom of movement, whether they live predominantly indoors or outdoors. Having to open doors or windows constantly for your feline can become cumbersome and impossible when you’re not at home. This is where a cat door can come in handy.

There are a ton of different cat doors on the market, though, from the humble cat flap to fully automated marvels of technology that can be programmed to allow your cat access on your own schedule. Cat doors have come a long way from the basic “hole in the door”! Some cat doors are made for use with specific house doors in mind, though, so it’s important to purchase a cat door that is compatible with the door that you want to fit it into.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! We scoured through all the available options and created this list of eight of our favorites, complete with in-depth reviews, to help you find the perfect cat door for your feline. Let’s get started!

hepper single cat paw divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Cat Mate Self Lining Door Cat Mate Self Lining Door
  • Four-way locking system
  • Transparent and silent polymer flap
  • Can be used on multiple door types
  • Best Value
    Second place
    PetSafe Locking Cat Door PetSafe Locking Cat Door
  • Easy to install
  • Transparent flap
  • Two-way locking mechanism
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    SureFlap Microchip Cat Door SureFlap Microchip Cat Door
  • Battery powered
  • Can be used with up to 32 cats
  • Programmable, automatic operation
  • Cathole Cat Door with Brush Cathole Cat Door with Brush
  • Built-in brush
  • Made from furniture-grade birch
  • Ideal for a separate litter box or feeding areas
  • Ideal Pet Lockable Cat Flap Ideal Pet Lockable Cat Flap
  • Transparent flap
  • Magnetic closure
  • Four-way locking mechanism
  • The 8 Best Cat Doors (for All Door Types)

    1. Cat Mate four-way Self Lining Door — Best Overall

    Cat Mate four-way Self Lining Door

    Check Price on Chewy
    Dimensions: 11.25 x 9.25 x 10 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: Four-way locking mechanism

    The Cat Mate four-way cat door is great for interior doors, exterior doors, and even garage doors and is our top choice overall. The door has a versatile four-way locking system that enables you to be in control of your cat’s movements, with settings for unlocked, locked, in only, and out only. It is ideal for any sized domestic cat with a height of 10 inches. It has a transparent polymer flap that lets your cat see through it, and it also has a draft- and weather-proof seal with magnetic closure. The flap is completely silent and won’t startle or frighten your feline.

    Some customers report that the magnetic closure is too strong for small cats to push open and that the locking mechanism is easily overridden by strong, determined cats.

    Pros
    • Four-way locking system
    • Can be used on multiple door types
    • Big enough for most domestic cats
    • Transparent and silent polymer flap
    • Weatherproof seal and magnetic closure
    Cons
    • Magnetic closure may be too strong for some cats
    • Determined cats can override the locks

    2. PetSafe 2-Way Locking Cat Door — Best Value

    PetSafe 2-Way Locking Cat Door

    Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.9 x 7.5 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: Two-way locking mechanism

    The PetSafe 2-Way Locking cat door is the best cat door for the money. The door features a two-way locking mechanism, open or locked, with a transparent flap to let in light and for your cat to see through it, making it one of the best options for indoor use. One of our favorite aspects of this flap is the ease of installation. The door comes with a convenient template and all the required hardware. The door is designed for cats up to 15 pounds, which is perfect for most domestic cats, and has a simple slide lock and magnetic closure for security.

    The main issue that we’ve found with this cat door is the noisy flap, a feature that might scare cats using it and become annoying for you too!

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Two-way locking mechanism
    • Transparent flap
    • Easy to install
    • Simple slide lock and magnetic closure
    Cons
    • Noisy and squeaky flap

    3. SureFlap Microchip Cat Door  — Premium Option

    SureFlap Microchip Cat Door

    Dimensions: 8.69 x 6.5 x 6.75 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: RFID chip and microchip compatible

    The SureFlap Microchip cat door is a great choice if you’re looking for a premium option for your feline. The door works by opening only for a pre-programmed microchip or RFID collar chip, enabling access only for your cats and keeping strays and other animals outside. Programming the door and chip is as easy as a press of a button, and the door can be used with up to 32 cats. The door also has a four-way manual lock if you want to override the system, and since it is powered by batteries, there are no cumbersome cables to plug in. Best of all, the door works with all types of microchips and RFID tags.

    The main issue that we found with this cat door other than the price is the reliability of the chip recognition system, with some customers reporting the door only opening intermittently at times.

    Pros
    • Programmable, automatic operation
    • Keeps strays and other animals out
    • Quick and easy to program
    • Can be used with up to 32 cats
    • Battery powered
    • Works with all types of microchips and RFID tags
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Intermittent reliability

    4. Cathole Cat Door with Brush

    Cathole Cat Door with Brush

    Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
    Compatibility: Wood
    Features: Built-in brush

    If you’re looking for a door to separate your cat’s feeding area or litterbox area from the rest of your home, the Cathole cat door is a simple but effective option. The door is easy to install into any wood door or drywall fixture and will take you an hour or less. The unique aspect of this cat door is the built-in brush around the inside edges of the door that grooms your cat as they enter and exit! Lastly, this door is made from furniture-grade Baltic birch that can easily be stained or painted to match your existing décor.

    The main issue that we have with this door is its limited use: It cannot be used on external doors and can only be used on wood or drywall. Also, with the lack of a flap, there is no control around what other pets could gain access through it.

    Pros
    • Easy to install
    • Built-in brush
    • Ideal for a separate litter box or feeding areas
    • Made from furniture-grade birch
    Cons
    • Limited uses
    • No flap

    5. Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap Pet Door

    Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap Pet Door

    Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.938 x 8.188 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: Four-way locking flap, insulated

    This lockable cat flap door from Ideal Pet Products is great for cats of up to 12 pounds and has a four-way locking mechanism that will keep your cat inside only, outside only, and locked or unlocked. The door has a transparent flap to let your cat see-through, and the magnetic closure forms a strong seal while the door is not in use. The door is easy to install and comes with complete step-by-step instructions and can be used on any standard interior or exterior door.

    While this door has a four-way locking mechanism, it’s not that strong, and several customers reported that their cats could easily force it open.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Four-way locking mechanism
    • Transparent flap
    • Magnetic closure
    • Easy to install
    Cons
    • The locking mechanism can be forced open by larger cats

    6. Cat Mate Microchip Cat Door

    Cat Mate Microchip Cat Door

    Dimensions: 10.25 x 7.75 x 9.688 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: Locking, microchip and RFID compatible

    The Cate Mate Microchip cat door is a high-tech solution to controlling your cat’s movements. The door works with your cat’s implanted microchip or with an RFID tag that is sold separately, which can easily be programmed to give only your kitty access to the door, and the system can be used for up to 30 cats. It has a draft- and weather-proof, brush-sealed flap with a magnetic closure to keep out the elements. The flap is of transparent polymer, so your cat can see through it. Lastly, the four-way rotary lock gives you complete manual control over keeping your cat in or out, and the door runs on batteries, so there are no messy cables and plugs.

    Unfortunately, this door cannot provide both entry and exit simultaneously, only one or the other at a time. The main purpose is to keep other cats out, which limits this door’s use a bit. Also, you’ll need to purchase an RFID chip separately if your cat does not have a microchip.

    Pros
    • Microchip and RFID chip compatible
    • Can be used with up to 30 cats
    • Weatherproof, transparent polymer flap
    • Four-way rotary manual lock
    • Battery operated
    Cons
    • Limited use
    • RFID chip sold separately

    7. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Plastic Pet Door

    Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Original Plastic Pet Door

    Dimensions: 10.25 x 7.75 x 9.688 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: Insulated, tinted

    The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series cat door has a temperature-resistant vinyl flap that will not warp with environmental fluctuations, providing a snug and safe door that will last for years. It also has magnetic closures at the base of the door to keep it properly sealed, with a convenient lock-out, slide-in panel to keep your cat in and other animals out. The door is a breeze to install and is compatible with any interior or exterior door and comes with a 1-year warranty.

    While this door locks well, the magnetic closures are not that strong and can be blown open with a strong wind. Also, there are currently no replacement flaps available for the door.

    Pros
    • Temperature-resistant vinyl flap
    • Magnetic closures
    • Lock-out, slide-in panel
    • Easy to install
    • 1-year warranty
    Cons
    • The door magnets are not strong enough to combat wind
    • No replacement flaps available

    8. PetSafe White Wall Entry Plastic Pet Door

    PetSafe White Wall Entry Plastic Pet Door

    Dimensions: 21.88 x 21.1 x 14.2 inches
    Compatibility: Wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass
    Features: Locking, Double flaps

    The PetSafe White Wall Entry Plastic cat door is a durable cat door that can be used on most walls and doors, including bricks, siding, and wood. It has a unique double-flap design to keep out harsh weather and keep your home warm, with a slide-in panel to further help with insulation on cold days. The door comes in three different sizes — small, medium, and large — and is a breeze to install with the included instructions, template, and hardware. Lastly, the flaps are removable and replaceable, making this one of the best cat doors to use on walls, but it can be used for all types of doors too.

    The main issue with this cat door is the flaps. They are made from bendable, lightweight plastic and don’t fall back in place properly after every use, even with the magnetic strips, thus letting in cold air.

    Pros
    • Can be used on walls and doors
    • Double flap design
    • Slide-in panel
    • Available in three different sizes
    • Easy to install
    Cons
    • The bendable flaps don’t seal well after use
    • Comparatively expensive

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Doors (for All Door Types)

    Since cats are independent creatures that love to come and go as they please, installing a cat door in your home makes sense because it gives your feline freedom of movement and free access to your home while you’re away. Of course, indoor cat doors for indoor cats are also useful because you can keep your cat confined to specific areas of your home.

    Cat doors have come a long way from a simple hole and flap, and some have now become marvels of technological innovation. While this is wonderful, it does make choosing a cat door more difficult! Here are a few aspects to look for before purchasing a new cat door for your feline.

    cat passing through a cat door

    Cat door types

    There are several types of cat doors on the market, all of which have their unique pros and cons:
    • Basic cat flaps. A basic cat door typically has a simple flap mechanism or even no flap at all and cannot be locked, enabling them to be used by anything that can fit through. These door types are best for indoor use for this reason.
    • Locking cat doors. Locking cat doors are the most popular variety because they enable you to lock the door to keep your cat either in or out and keep other animals from entering your home. These doors typically have two-way or four-way locking systems.
    • Electronic cat doors. While electronic or automated cat doors are expensive, they are steadily growing in popularity. These doors have sensors that communicate with your cat’s microchip or a separate RFID tag to allow only your cat to use the door. You can also typically program them for use with multiple cats. Of course, as with all electronics, these doors can fail at times, either due to electronic faults or dead batteries, effectively locking your cat in or out of your home.

    What to look for in a cat door

    Size

    This is arguably the most important factor to look for in a cat door. These doors are typically made with an average-sized housecat in mind, so if you have a large cat breed, like a Maine Coon, you’ll need to make sure they can fit through it comfortably.

    Strength

    The flap on your cat door needs to be sturdy enough that it won’t allow your cat to bend and force it open, while still being lightweight enough for them to move through. The flap should also ideally fit snugly against the door, both to keep out harsh weather but also to prevent a paw from sliding around and breaking it open. It should be able to lock firmly to keep other animals out if you’re using it on an exterior door.

    Installation

    Cat doors can be tricky to install if you are not DIY-minded, so the cat door that you choose should come with step-by-step instructions and all the hardware needed for installation. It should also come with a template so you can cut the correct-sized hole. Ideally, it should be easy enough to install yourself without needing to hire a professional.

    cat door
    Image Credit: Chamrasamee, Shutterstock

    Weather-sealed

    Whether you live in a cold area or not, your cat door needs to be properly sealed and resistant against rain, cold, and wind. Your cat will be using the door regularly and letting in outside air every time they use the door, so the least you can do is have a door that seals properly after use. This is typically done with magnets or double-flap designs.

    Shape

    There are several different cat door shapes available: square, U-shaped, and round. Typically, only the square- or rectangle-shaped cat doors have flaps and can be used for exterior doors. The other two are great-looking but are more for indoor use.

    hepper cat paw divider

    Final Thoughts

    While any of these doors are great options, the Cat Mate four-way cat door is our top choice overall. It has a versatile four-way locking system, a transparent polymer flap, and a draft- and weather-proof seal with magnetic closure.

    The PetSafe 2-Way Locking cat door is the best cat door for the money. The door has a two-way locking mechanism, a simple slide lock and magnetic closure, and a transparent flap, and installation is a breeze. If you’re looking for a premium option for your feline, the SureFlap Microchip cat door is a great choice. It works with a microchip or RFID collar chip, is easy to program with capacity for up to 32 cats, and has a four-way manual lock.

    There are a ton of cat flaps on the market, and choosing the right one can be tricky. Hopefully, our in-depth reviews have narrowed the options and helped you choose the best cat flap for your feline!


    Featured Image Credit: Amazon

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