Cat Doors: For Felines Who are Always on the Wrong Side of the Door

“He’s always on the wrong side of every door.” The iconic line from T.S. Eliot’s poem “Rum Tum Tugger” sums up most cats. As soon as something catches their attention, they take off for the outdoors – or the indoors. And since they lack opposable thumbs, guess who has to open the door. You’re the perfect doorman. We love that natural feline curiosity, but getting up every five minutes? That isn’t so endearing. Wouldn’t it be easier if cats could open doors themselves? Well, if you install one or more cat doors, they can! (Okay, they’re not OPENING doors, but they’re handling the problem themselves, and that’s what’s important)

Portals

In the “good ol’ days,” cat doors consisted of smaller versions of doggie doors. A stiff flap of wood in a door allowed your feline to troop outside. And anything of the same size managed to come INSIDE. The system came with some imperfections. (Though if you locked yourself out and had a small child, the cat door saved you from calling a locksmith)

Now, cat doors benefit from technological evolution. They come with locking mechanisms to keep neighborhood pests from invading. You can even find cat doors designed to limit which cat gets to roam outside and who stays inside. And setup? You can position cat doors in wooden doors, sliding doors, screens, and windows. The versatility offers owners more options for their feline explorers.

And the fun doesn’t end there. When you decide to catify your home, cat doors join in on the fun. Indoor cat portals allow you to tuck litter boxes into closets or behind closed doors. They’re the final touch, every bit as important as hammocks and wall shelves.

Types of Cat Doors

Cat doors come in multiple forms. You’ll want to consider your fluffy friend’s personality and typical behaviors when you start shopping around. You also need to consider where your kitty roams. Are they venturing out on neighborhood rounds? Heading out to sprawl on the enclosed porch? Or just sneaking away for some privacy in the litter box? Your cat’s needs will help you narrow your search.

Indoor Cat Doors

Indoor cat doors usually skip the flap covering. They tend to resemble portals. You need to confirm the measurements, but most fit on standard doors. Of course, some install on walls (double-check those widths!).

Your cat gets easy access to another room (or closet) while children or dogs stay out. The cat door gives them a quick escape, or simply somewhere quiet and private. You can use the portal to keep the litter box or cat food dishes out of sight. It’s better than propping a door open (which invariably ends up accidentally closed).

Outdoor Cat Doors

Meanwhile, the familiar outdoor cat door continues its popularity. Your cat can dart into the backyard or onto the porch to get some fresh air. And while the basic design, complete with a flap to prevent the worst of the outdoor weather (and pests) from coming in, hasn’t changed, you DO get a few options to choose from.

• Traditional: Everyone recognizes these cat doors. They fit into the average outside door (always confirm measurements).
• Sliding Doors: Traditional cat doors don’t work on screens or sliding doors. But many people have sliders onto their porch. Luckily, you can now find special cat doors designed specifically for sliding doors.
• Windows: Perhaps a window isn’t exactly a “door,” but if you’re limited on your outdoor portals, these cat doors work beautifully. Your cat still gets outdoor access without the need to cut a hole in your door.

Choosing a Cat Door

Once you know what kind (or kinds) of cat doors you want to install, it’s time to start researching the best options for your home. You WILL have to knuckle down and work on the installation. That means the proper tools and know-how – or at least having the right person on speed-dial. So before you get carried away, make sure you have the following information in the back of your mind:

• Flap Size: Cat doors assume an average size of around 9-12 pounds. However, some cats fit that weight category but in a taller or wider body. You need to measure your kitty to make sure they can FIT through the portal.
  • Height: Cats WILL drop down to go through the door. So the measurement you want to take is from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the chest.
  • Width: Don’t stop at measuring your cat from side to side; you need to add an inch. Why? Cats won’t pass through anything narrower than their whiskers.
• Door Measurements: You found a fantastic cat door, but it won’t fit your door. Look at a depth of your door (or wall) CAREFULLY. Most doors are consistent, but you could get in trouble if you have an older home or a special door. Garage doors, in particular, tend to be on the thin side.
• Access: Indoor cat doors don’t present as much of an access problem as outdoor portals. Unless you want to set up a B&B for every critter in the neighborhood, though, you want SOME way to control entry. Even if it’s just a lock.
• Installation: Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a pop-in cat door. So if you’re not mechanically inclined, consider hiring a professional.

The Pest Side of Cat Doors

With outdoor cat doors, you run the risk of the neighborhood fauna discovering the portal. And if food smells sneak past the flap, raccoons, in particular, may decide to investigate. Not to mention the feral cats patrolling in the area. You can attempt to set up deterrents, but they may or may not work on raccoons. And raccoons are SMART! They often figure out how to pry open locked cat doors. OR they learn to “piggyback” through the door behind the cat!

If you’re concerned about unwanted houseguests, consider setting up a security camera. You’ll see who approaches and what technique they’re using. You can then work on anti-raccoon plans.

The Best Cat Doors

Cats come with independent streaks. It’s one of the things cat lovers adore most about their felines. But when you combine independence with curiosity, you get cats that bounce from inside to outside every five minutes. That makes curling up with your favorite book a little challenging. Install a few cat doors, and suddenly both of you are happy. Your kitty can slide in and out of their portal whenever they wish, and you can finish that chapter in peace. It’s the perfect solution!

The Best Indoor Cat Doors

You’d rather not have your cat’s litter box on display for everyone who comes over. Or the dog considers unattended cat food bowls the perfect snack. Maybe you saw an article on catification and want to start creating a feline paradise in your home. Any of these decisions work best with an indoor cat door. Your cat gets a nifty portal that gives them the freedom to move throughout the house – while keeping unwanted intruders OUT. What could be better?