11 Best Cat Doors in 2023 – Interior And Exterior

Check out the curated list of Best Cat Doors of 2023 tested by experts and reviewed here!

Considering how adventurous the cats are, you should not restrict them to one room. To give her access to other parts of the house, the best option for you is to use a cat door.

If you have a feline at your home then you know how tedious it is to open the doors when your cat wants to use the litter box, or when she wants to move out. The ultimate solution to this is a Cat Door, as after installing it you will no longer need to manually open the door for your cat.

What’s the Best Cat Door in 2023?

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

11 Best Cat Doors for Interior and Exterior

1. PetSafe Wall Entry Cat Door with Telescoping Tunnel – Best Overall

A wall entry pet door with different size options and ensured safety was the primary reason we selected it as a featured product. The PetSafe Pet Door is a wall entry cat door that eliminates the hassle of opening doors. It is an exterior door that can be mounted on the wall for entry and exit of the cat. It can be used for cats and dogs as it has a bigger size, so you don’t have to put in any additional doors if you also have a pet dog.

PetSafe Cat Door is available in three sizes Small(S), Medium(M), and Large(L). If you want to install the door only for a cat, the Small size of this Pet door will be of sufficient size for your cat. However, if you have a cat as well as Dog, then you should consider the size of your dog before choosing from S, M, or L.

Key Features:

• Opening Size:
  Small(5.25″ W x 7.5″ H); Medium(8.25″ W x 11.25″ H), Large(10.375″ W x 15.375″ H)
• Thickness: Telescopic(4.75 to 7.25 inches)
• Dual Flaps; one on the interior side, and one on the exterior side
• Slide-in closing panel
• Durable PVC Plastic Frame (interior frame Aluminum)
• Cat door for exterior door

As this Cat Door for a wall has a tunneling telescope, so it can be easily installed on varied thicknesses of walls. You can install it either on the interior or exterior walls, but it is most feasible to be used on the exterior walls. As this tunnel-type cat door is telescoping, its depth can be varied. The thickness of the walls in which you want to install the Cat door should be between 4.75 to 7.25 inches.

To conclude, we think this is the overall best cat door.

Pros:

• It can be installed on several wall types including siding, stucco, and brick.
• Cut-out templates and step-by-step instructions are included in the manual.
• Controlled access and weather resistance with the help of a slide-in closing panel.
• Can be used as an interior as well as an exterior cat door.

Cons:

• Not very good in cold weather.
• Cannot be installed on a wall thicker than 7.25 inches.

2. Ideal Pet Products Cat Flap Door – Best Affordable

If you are looking for a simplistic cat flap door at an affordable price, then Ideal Pet Products Cat Flap Door should be on your list. It features a telescopic design, so you install it on various thickness sizes of doors. You can also install it on thin walls, but it is not recommended as it is specially designed to be installed within doors.

The cat flap is made up of unbreakable durable plastic which is also weather-resistant. It can be installed easily in the door with the help of the template and the instructions manual provided with this Cat Flap. Your cat can easily enter through this cat door as its flap opening measures 7.5″ x 7.25″ inches and the overall size is 8.25″W x 8″H. It also has an inner telescoping frame which also makes installation easier.

Key Features:

• Flap Opening: 7.5″ x 7.25″
• Weather-resistant cat door
• Easy installation with the help of the cut-out template
• Made from Plastic material
• 4-way lock

As this cat flap is specially designed for felines, the size is perfect for any cat, but it can be also used by puppies. It also has a closing panel which allows controlled access to the Cat Door. You can use the closing panel to lock the door whenever required.

Pros:

• Perfect flap opening size for cats
• Hardware, cut-out template, and instructions manual included with this product
• Made from unbreakable material
• Inner telescoping makes easy installation in any type of door
• Can be used as an interior as well as exterior cat door

Cons:

• The locking mechanism does not work properly, cats can open it after putting enough pressure even though the door is locked

3. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor – Best SmartDoor

Electronic Cat Doors provide the best way for your cat to access the areas with doors without requiring any person to open the door. This PetSafe is an Electronic SmartDoor which provides controlled access to your cat for her entry and exit.

You can install this Electronic smart door in wall doors with 1.5 to 2-inch thickness. You can also install it on walls with thicknesses 4 ¾ inches to 7 ¼ with the help of the SmartDoor Wall conversion kit (not included with this package). Both, the SmartDoor and access key are electronically operated and require 4 D-Cell batteries, which are not included along with the package.

The smart feature of this Electronic Pet door is that it will allow access to this to this pet door only to your pet. It will prevent unwanted animals, pets, and strays from entering through this Electronic Pet Door. For this purpose, you have to attach a smart key to your cat’s collar. Your cat will only be able to access this pet door if she has the access key attached to her collars.

Key Features:

• Automatic Cat Door
• Flap Opening: Small(5.5″x7.8″) Large: 11″16″
• Programmable for up to 5 pets
• 3 Different modes: Locked, Unlocked, and Automatic
• Cutting Template and instructions manual

This smart door is programmable for up to 5 access keys. So you can even use this Electronic Automatic Cat Door for up to 5 of them. But you have to buy additional access keys for them, as you get only one access key. It can be also set to three modes; Locked, Unlocked, and Automatic. So if you have more than one pet but have only one access key, then you can use the Unlocked mode.

Pros:

• Electronic SmartDoor prevents unwanted animals, pets, and strays from coming inside
• Easy to install with the help of detailed instructions provided in the manual
• Hardware required is already included, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing screws or any other fastener
• Useful for multiple pets as it can be programmed for up to 5 cats

Cons:

• Batteries not included with this SmartDoor
• You get only one access key along with this product
• The access key is a little bit larger for kittens

4. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door – Best Microchip

If you want a pet door for your cat which automatically locks/unlocks with the help of a sensor then SureFlap Microchip Pet Door would be perfect for you. This Cat Door only opens for pet’s veterinary implanted microchip. You don’t need to worry if your cat does not have a microchip implant as you can use an RFID collar tag instead.

This cat door can be installed in doors, windows, and walls. It is also compatible with most microchip implants such as 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA), and 15 (FDXB).

Key Features:

• Automatic Cat Door
• Flap opening is 4 3/4” (H) by 5 5/8” (W)
• Battery Operated (Requires 4 AA batteries)
• 4-way lock mechanism

It prevents other intruders from letting in through this door. The 4-way lock mechanism allows you to set different modes to access the door. These access modes include combination of In/Out.

Pros:

• Compatible with microchip implant and RFID collar
• Controlled access with 4 different locking mechanisms
• Low battery indicator

Cons:

• Low distance sensitivity

5. PetSafe Cat Flap

Do you want your cat to roam around freely inside your house to meet her food and daily routine requirements? PetSafe Cat Flap will be a perfect choice for you. It is also one of the best cat doors for interior doors on our list. It can be installed in the doors to give her access to enter and exit, and at the same time keeps the dogs out.

As this Cat Flap is specifically designed for cats and it has a small opening size so only cats can enter through it. The flap opening measures 5.75″ W x 5.75″ H. You can install it in doors measuring 0.5 to 2-inch thickness.

Key Features:

• Indoor Cat Door
• Flap Opening Size: 5.75″ W x 5.75″ H
• 2-way locking mechanism
• Plastic Frame with transparent hard flap

By using the cat flaps, you can give your cat access to litter box without having the litter box exposed in your home. The two-way sliding door provides controlled access to the cat flaps, you can slide to lock the cat to prevent your cat from using it whenever required.

Pros:

• Simple installation with the help of an instruction manual
• Cutting template and hardware included
• Durable Plastic frame makes this cat flap long-lasting

Cons:

• Not suitable for large breed cats
• Cannot be installed on doors with a thickness more than 2 inches

6. The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door for Hidden Litter Box – Best Interior

The Kitty Pass Cat Door is a cute and small Pet Door for Cats with an attractive design. It has a unique round opening with carved cat ears on the front side. On the rear side cat’s tail has been carved. These designs make it very unique in its design. It also comes in white color so that you can easily paint any color on it to match your door.

Besides having an attractive appearance, it also has a wide opening which makes it easy for your cat to safely enter and exit through it. It also does not have any flaps for the entry and exit of the cat, so there is no chance of tails getting snagged or caught up.

Key Features:

• Cat Door Opening Size: 7.5″x 6.5″
• Comes in semi-gloss white color
• Round Shaped opening
• Can be installed in Doors with thicknesses: 1.25″ to 1.75″

The opening of this cat door is 7 1/2″ wide and 6 1/2″ high which is convenient for cats weighing up to 20 lbs. It can be easily fit into standard interior doors with a thickness 1.25 to 1.75 inches thickness.

Pros:

• No eye offending screw holes
• Made from durable material
• Perfect size for cats
• cat door for interior door

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other kitty doors
• Does not have locking panel

7. Ideal Pet Products VIP Vinyl Insulated Pet Patio Door

Do you live in a colder region and want to keep your feline friend safe? Then you should definitely consider buying Ideal Pet Products VIP Vinyl Insulated Pet Patio Door. It is available in two different sizes so you can select the size appropriate to you. The two different sizes available for this sliding pet door are Extra Large which measures 78 and 94 inches.

The flaps are also large enough for any size of cat and dog. It is also available in two different flap sizes medium and extra-large. The medium size flap opening measures 6.38″ x 11.25″ and extra-large flap opening measures 10.25″ x 15.75″.

Key Features:

• Sliding Kitty Door
• Flap Opening: Medium(6.38″ x 11.25″) Extra Large(10.25″ x 15.75″)
• Door size: 18″ and 94″
• Made from vinyl material
• Exterior door with pet door built-in

This sliding door cat door is shipped with all hardware (screws and other fasteners) required for the installation. The installation also becomes easier with the help of an adjustable height feature that also ensures ordering the correct height.

Pros:

• Includes screws and other fasteners required for installing
• Adjustable height to ensure correct ordering of height
• Modular flaps for easy entry and exit

Cons:

• Does not seal tight enough to provide complete weather resistance

8. Cathole Interior Pet Door with Grooming Brush

Cathole Pet door is an interior cat door that comes with the added benefit of grooming and cleaning capabilities. It has a cleaning brush around the flap opening which grooms the cat while she is entering and exiting through the door.

If your cat is very playful and makes herself dirty while playing then this Pet Door should be the first choice for you. It also helps to separate the litter box area from visible areas. It also eliminates the need to open the door for entering or exiting any room by adding a door, as your cat can easily enter through this.

Key Features:

• Size: 6″W x 8″H
• Can be installed in door thickness of up to 2 inches
• Cat door with a grooming brush
• White Color

You can easily install this feline door in under 30 minutes and does not require any extra screws or any other type of fastener while installing. It also comes in white color which makes it feasible for any color of the door. You can color the cat door so that it suits any door.

Pros:

• It has a grooming brush around the flap which cleans and grooms the cat every time it passes through the door
• Accurate height to width ratio perfect for cats to get in and exit
• Includes cut-out template along with the cat door which makes it easy to

Cons:

• Comparatively costlier than other pet doors of the same type
• Improper molding of grooming brush with the flap

9. High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door

If you are looking for a fully automated Pet Door for cats then this would be definitely the best choice for you. This electronic pet door from High Tech Pet can be accessed by your cat using an ultrasonic collar. The door opens by sliding upwards automatically as it is driven by an electronically powered motor.

It can be accessed with a number of collars besides the MS-4 Ultrasonic collar which is included with this Pet door. Other ultrasonic collars with which this pet door is supported are MS-5, RX-10, or BF-30. You can also program this cat door to be used for multiple pets.

As this feline door is fully automatic so you have total controlled access without the need to manually open or close the door. It can be set to four different modes to operate. These 4-way access control options include In Only, Out Only, Full Access, and Closed/Locked.

Key Features:

• Fully Automatic Pet Door
• Rechargeable collar
• Directional sensing
• Exterior Cat Door
• 4-way access control system

It can be easily installed in standard door sizes. The panel size of the larger size cat door is 12.25 x 16 inch which is big enough for pets up 30 pounds. The medium-sized Pet door’s panel measures 8.25″ x 12 inches. If you have a Pet Cat then the medium size Pet door will be convenient for your cat.

Pros:

• The door can be operated using AC plug and battery
• Compatible with multiple ultrasonic collars
• Wind and weather-proof airtight seal
• Can be also installed in a wall using an additional wall tunnel
• Adjustable sensitivity range

Cons:

• While opening and closing it makes a clicking sound which might be disturbing to some pets
• Expensive compared to other electronic pet doors

10. Cat Mate Large Cat Door White

Cat Mate’s Cat Door can be installed on doors as well as walls. It is 10″ high and 2.25″ wide which makes it perfect for any size of cat. The overall size is 9¼” x 10″ and the cutout size is 8¼” x 9″.

It is also very easy to install this door with the help of the cutout template and instructions manual included with the product. On the sides of the Cat Flap opening, brush strips are provided for smooth and silent operation of door opening and closing.

Key Features:

• Flap Opening: 10″ high 2.25″ wide
• 2″ thick self-lining
• 4-Way Locking Mechanism
• Tamperproof Cat flap
• Magnetic cat door

The cat door features a 4-way locking feature that provides controlled access convenient for any kind of requirement. Different locking modes include open, in only, out only or fully locked, which makes it easy for your cats to access the kitty door whenever required. It also has a transparent flap which is also weatherproof brush sealed and has magnetic closure.

Pros:

• Brush strips around the cat flap help in reducing the sound generated from closing or opening the cat flap
• Cutout template and instructions manual included for easy installation
• Weatherproof sealed flap for complete protection
• Proper height-to-width ratio is perfect for any size of a cat
• Suitable to be used as cat door for garage

Cons:

• Strong magnets are used for closure that makes it difficult for kittens to open the cat flap
• Installation is a bit tougher compared to other cat flaps

11. PetSafe Pet Screen Door – Dog and Cat Door

If you are looking for a Pet Door for Cats for door screen, then this PetSafe Cat Door should is the best option for you. It can be easily installed in Screen Doors, Windows, or Porch Doors. It is also ideal Cat Door for window screens.

The frame of this cat screen is made from durable plastic which makes it sturdy and long-lasting. For the attachment with the door or window, screw fasteners are to be used to support the frame rigidly. Sliding panels are also provided on this Pet Screen using which you can lock or unlock the cat door for your cat. This provides you with controlled access to so that you can easily close or lock it whenever required.

Key Features:

• Flap Opening Size: Large(10.25″ W x 17.12″ H), Small(8″ W x 9.25″ H)
• Slide Locking mechanism
• Flap Material: Mesh
• Frame Material: Plastic

The flap opening size of this pet screen is 10.25″ W x 17.12″ H which is large enough for cats and makes it easy for your cats to get through this feline door. Its flap is made up of Heavy-duty mesh that is transparent and tear-resistant. It also includes a template and instructions manual, which makes it very easy to install yourself.

Pros:

• A convenient size for all sizes of cats
• Easily installable on screens of your home
• Puncture and tear-resistant mesh
• Durable lightweight and plastic frame
• Can be used as window cat door as well

Cons:

• Difficult to install
• The flaps may break apart after sometime

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Doors

If you are a pet owner, and Cat Door is something to which you have been newly introduced, then you won’t be knowing very much about it. So to clear any doubts or confusion and to learn more about the Pet Doors for Cats refer to this Buying Guide.

How is Cat Door Useful and Why do you need it?

A cat door or also called cat flaps is a small portal in wall, window, or human door which allows entering the cats on their own without needing a person to open the door. The opening of the Door should be such that it should also prevent any unwanted guests from coming inside.

By providing a way to exit with the help of a cat door, you not only get free from the efforts of opening or closing the door for your pet, but you also let your cat give freedom. You also prevent the unwanted behavior of your cats like scratching on the door or walls, and excreting in the house.

Points to consider before purchasing a Cat Door

So before you buy a Cat Door for your feline friend, here are a few important features and specifications which you must consider to make a perfect selection:

Size Of Cat

If you don’t already know the size of your cat then you should measure her before buying the cat door. For measuring your cat, you have to measure the width through the widest part of her body(shoulders or hips) and height from shoulders to the bottom of the chest or belly.

Type of Cat Door

Based on the place where it can be installed, there are two types of cat door; Interior & Exterior. So you should buy either interior based on your requirements whether you want to use it indoors or outdoors.

1. Interior Doors

These Pet Doors also called Cat Flaps are used inside the house on a Door or Wall. It is mostly used to hide the cat litterbox kept behind the doors. You also do not have to manually open the human door for your cat to access the required areas.

2. Exterior Doors

The Exterior Doors provides outdoor access to your cat without the need of your assistance for opening the doors. Exterior Cat Doors can be installed either on walls or doors. It also prevents unwanted guests from coming inside with the help of the sliding lock provided in them.

FAQs

Conclusion

According to experts’, The overall top-rated Cat Door is PetSafe’s Wall Entry Pet Door. It has a telescoping tunnel which makes it possible to easily fit in varied wall thicknesses. It has a durable PVC plastic frame which is great for withstanding UV exposure and makes it perfect for using it as an outdoor Cat Door.

I hope that you have got complete information and found the perfect Cat Door for your feline. Also, before choosing the Cat Door, make sure you choose the perfect size so that it is convenient for your cat.

References:

1. Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression. (2018, July 24). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
2. Feline Housing for Behavioral Well-Being. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119618515.ch16
3. PetMD Editorial. (2022d, September 6). How to Train Your Cat to Use the Cat Door. https://www.petmd.com/cat/training/how-train-your-cat-use-cat-door