We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 11 Best Cat Doors for Giving Your Pet Access to the Great Outdoors Spring is here By Steven Asarch Steven Asarch Steven Asarch is a writer for The Spruce Pets. He has firsthand experience working with different feline products and taking care of two rambunctious felines. His cats are exceptional testers, who have tried out everything from automatic litter boxes to litter box liners and cat strollers. He loves everything high tech, especially if it's a product that he can use with his cats. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process and Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 03/23/25 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What To Look for FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Installing a cat door is a great way to give your pet some agency, allowing them to come and go as they please. Cat doors can also be used indoors—a cat door can give your cat access to rooms where the door is frequently closed. Doors can be wooden, aluminum, or plastic, as long as they are lightweight and easy to push through. Finding the right cat door starts with taking your cat's measurements. Cat doors come in varying sizes, so it's important to look for an option that will easily accommodate the size of the largest cat using the door. Keep in mind that most cat doors designed for use on exterior doors can also be used on interior doors, but the opposite isn't always true. You also will want to decide what type of locking mechanism you need on your cat door to protect your pet and also to prevent strange animals from wandering in. Our favorite cat door is the Cat Mate Locking Cat Flap with Door Liner, an attractive, easy-to-install cat door that comes in two colors to blend seamlessly into various spaces and has multiple locking options. Top Picks Best Overall: Cat Mate Locking Cat Flap with Door Liner at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Budget: Ideal Pet Products Cat Flap Door at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best for Indoors: The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Screen Door: MYPIN Reinforced Cat Screen Door at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Best Door Lookalike: Puurfect Portal Cat Door Interior Door at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best for Sliding Glass Doors: PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Sliding Glass Pet Door at Amazon $200 Jump to Review Best Outdoor: PetSafe Plastic Pet Door at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Microchip: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door at Amazon $215 Jump to Review Best Zero Installation Solution: Neobay Cat Door Latch with Stabilizer at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best for Screen Doors: SALE Ownpets Screen Dog Door at Amazon $46 $36 Jump to Review Best Overall Cat Mate Locking Cat Flap with Door Liner Credit: Amazon $25 at Amazon $23 at Chewy What We Like Four-way locking system Strong magnetic closure and exterior rain seal to protect against the elements Easy installation on multiple surfaces Operates quietly Available in white or brown What We Don't Like Opening too tight for larger cats Included screws are on the small side Our top pick, the Cat Mate Locking Cat Flap has an attractive appearance that blends seamlessly with a variety of spaces, indoors and out, and comes with a trimmable 2-inch door liner to make for easy installation on different surfaces such as doors, panels, and walls. Its sliding tab four-way locking system allows you to control your cat's access—open, in-only, out-only, and locked—while a strong magnetic closure, exterior rain seal, and brush strip keep out stray critters, cold air, and moisture. Plus, the flap operates silently, unlike those on other cat doors. This model is available in either white or brown and includes the necessary screws for installation, though some users find them a tad small, and a template to help you center and cut out the appropriately sized opening. You can purchase additional 2-inch wall liners to extend the depth, as some users have to create a "cat tunnel" between two rooms inside their home. Most small and medium-sized cats can comfortably fit through the opening, but if you have a larger cat you'll have to go with another option. Entrance Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.87 inches | Overall Dimensions: 7.6 x 8 inches | Materials: Plastic, polymer | Colors: White, brown Best Budget Ideal Pet Products Cat Flap Door Credit: Amazon $19 at Amazon $17 at Chewy $20 at Home Depot What We Like Telescoping frame fits multiple door widths Durable magnetic flap stays closed Four locking options What We Don't Like Four-way lock settings are hard to see The Ideal Pet Products Cat Flap Door can be used on both interior and exterior doors, with a telescoping frame to accommodate doors from 1.25 to 1.75 thick. It has a four-way locking mechanism: in-only, out-only, open, or locked closed. It also has a magnetic, self-closing flap to keep unwanted pests (including stray cats!) out of your home. Made with durable Lexan polycarbonate, this cat door will hold up against everyday use and harsher weather conditions. Plus, it’s easy to install—the frame mounts to any standard interior or exterior door with screws. The door is designed for cats 12 pounds or under, with a flap that’s 6.25 by 6.25 inches—larger cats may be able to squeeze through (there’s also a “Hefty Kat” version of the door), but households that need to accommodate both cats and dogs will want to look for something larger. Entrance Dimensions: 6.25 x 6.25 inches | Overall Dimensions: 7.9 x 8.1 inches | Materials: Plastic (Lexan polycarbonate) | Colors: White Best for Indoors The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door Credit: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Thekittypass.com What We Like Simple Easy to install Cat-like motif What We Don't Like Won’t hold large cats Made of PVC Perfect for any cat up to 20 pounds, the PVC frame of The Kitty Pass will fit into any door between 1.2 to 1.8 inches thick. The design of the door is simple—a silhouette of a cat’s head. Not only is Kitty Pass’s Interior Cat Door cute (look at the little ears!), but it’s the easiest way to let your cat access closed interior doors, too. The entrance is 7.5 by 6.5 inches, and should be easily traversable for cats under 20 pounds. The Kitty Pass is designed to fit doors from 1.25 to 1.75 inches thick. To install, you’ll need a jigsaw or other way to cut the circular template from the bottom of the door. The Kitty Pass frame comes in semi-gloss white but is easy to repaint. Entrance Dimensions: 6.5 x 7.5 inches | Overall Dimensions: 9 x 12 inches | Materials: PVC | Colors: White Best Screen Door MYPIN Reinforced Cat Screen Door Credit: Amazon $23 at Amazon What We Like Fills entire door frame Sticker applied to the door for easy install Available in wide size range to fit interior doors What We Don't Like Tape can damage or leave marks on painted surfaces The MYPIN Reinforced Cat Screen Door can be installed in nearly any doorway, with a bilateral zipper allowing you to open or shut the passage through the mesh door. The screen itself is made of alloy steel and can stand up to cat claws. The door can be installed by placing the included tape around your door frame and attaching it to the outer area. Uninstalling is as simple as peeling the tape off the wall. This door frame won’t give your cat the same level of freedom as a traditional cat door, but it can be a useful way to close off areas of your room while still allowing for airflow. Entrance Dimensions: 80 x 35 inches | Overall Dimensions: 82 x 35.5 inches | Materials: Alloy steel | Colors: White Best Door Lookalike Puurfect Portal Cat Door Interior Door Credit: Amazon $30 at Amazon What We Like Perfect for larger breeds Easy to install with a template Adorable door What We Don't Like A tricky shape to cut If you are looking for a dollhouse door for your cat, then Puurfect Portal has you covered. The 9-inch doorway is perfect for larger cat breeds up to 20 pounds and quizzical cats can look inside through tiny plastic windows. Available in black, brown, or white, it’s designed to fit any standard-width door. Installation is simple, all you need to do is follow the included paper template, cut out the shape, and screw it into place The door can be locked with a turn of the tiny doorknob or propped open with an included circular notch that does need to be installed. Entrance Dimensions: 9.25 x 9 inches | Overall Dimensions: 10.2 x 11 inches | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Black, brown, white Best for Sliding Glass Doors PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Sliding Glass Pet Door Credit: Amazon $200 at Amazon $200 at Chewy View on Wayfair What We Like Easy to install Three color options and five sizes Easy to use locking cover What We Don't Like Reduces your door’s walkthrough space The PetSafe 1-Piece Sliding Glass Pet Door is made from aluminum and tempered glass to be weather- and shatter-resistant. The door comes with a separate cover, which locks in place when the door flap is not in use. While installation does involve a few screws, it's unobtrusive enough that the PetSafe 1-Piece will be a good option for renters in particular. The door flap on the PetSafe Sliding Glass Pet Door is tinted vinyl, with a magnetic latch at the bottom that holds the flap onto the frame. It’s also easily replaceable. Flap Dimensions: 10.25 x 16.38 inches (large) | Overall Dimensions: 80 x 96 inches | Materials: Aluminum, glass | Colors: White, bronze, satin The 11 Best Litter Box Furniture of 2026 Best Outdoor PetSafe Plastic Pet Door Credit: Amazon $36 at Amazon $33 at Chewy $90 at Wayfair What We Like Won't rust Allows through pets up to 40 pounds Protects against drafts or weather What We Don't Like Labor-intensive installation A pet door that’s installed on your front or outside door needs to be able to handle the elements and the needs of your pet. PetSafe offers a fantastic door that can snap shut, giving you power over when and what goes through. The door can be installed on wood, PVC, and metal. The exterior is also paintable, allowing you to blend in the door with any surroundings. Installation does require a bit of handiwork and will require a jigsaw and other tools to saw the proper opening size from the door. Entrance Dimensions: 8 x 12 inches | Overall Dimensions: 10 x 15 inches | Materials: Plastic, vinyl | Colors: White Best Microchip SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Credit: Amazon $215 at Amazon $230 at Petco View on Surepetcare.com What We Like Stores up to 32 pet identities Keeps unwanted animals out 12-month battery life What We Don't Like Only opens with RFID in one direction Not everyone wants to have a hole in their door that any animal can go through. That’s where The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap can only be accessed by your animals. Up to 32 different pet identities can be programmed into the door, each using its own RFID or identification microchip to allow the door to open. The door can also be locked at any time or can be set up to work on a certain timed schedule. The door is made of glass and will allow any animal to exit, but will only open up on the other side to animals with the right chip. To program it, all you have to do is click the program button on the door with the microchip near it. This cat door measures 8.2 inches square, and so should work for small and large cats. Entrance Dimensions: 7 x 6.7 inches | Overall Dimensions: 10.5 x 11 inches | Materials: Glass | Colors: White, brown Best Zero Installation Solution Neobay Cat Door Latch with Stabilizer Credit: Amazon $10 at Amazon What We Like Easy to use Doesn’t damage doors One piece and convenient What We Don't Like Not a full cat door If you don’t want to commit to a cat door where you need to hack and saw at your home, then the Neobay Cat Door Latch is a perfect match. Just hang one side on a doorknob or handle and the other into the frame, and your door will stay propped open. Using seven different holes, you can keep your door between 1.5 and 6 inches open at all times. The uniquely shaped design will keep any door open without fear of it pinching fingers or tails. When it isn’t in use, all you have to do is remove it from the door frame, easily storing it on the handle. Entrance Dimensions: 1.5 to 6 inches | Overall Dimensions: 0.2 x 2.6 x 11.8 inches | Materials: Nylon, stainless steel | Colors: Black, white Best for Screen Doors Ownpets Screen Dog Door Credit: Amazon $46 $36 at Amazon $52 at Wayfair View on Ownpets.com What We Like Magnetic flap closures Multiple sizes Easy installation What We Don't Like Tricky to use lock OwnPets offers a unique magnetic door that can be installed in any screen door, allowing your pet to get in or out. Magnetic locking mechanisms on the side can lock the door closed from both directions. The door is sturdy enough to handle tough weather. It’s also incredibly easy to install since all you need to do is cut a hole in the screen the correct size and plug it in. This door is perfect for cats up to 30 pounds, though larger options are available. Entrance Dimensions: 8 x 10.2 inches | Overall Dimensions: 9.4 x 11.4 inches | Materials: ABS plastic | Colors: Black Most Unobtrusive Kitty Corner Cat Door Credit: Kitty Corner $36 at Amazon View on Kittykornerdoor.com What We Like Can be installed on the right or left Simple installation process Offers a locking or open option What We Don't Like Designed to work on hollow core doors Kitty Corner offers a unique approach to cat doors. Using their patented hinge technology, you can add an accessway to any hollow core door in your home. You can purchase a right- or left-side kit that can be installed by cutting out a sliver at the corner and screwing in the metal hinge. The door can be left open, but if you’d like some privacy, you can reattach the door just by sliding it in, flipping it, and locking it in place. When it folds up, there’s plenty of space for most cats to fit right through. Entrance Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 10 inches| Overall Dimensions: Not applicable | Materials: Metal | Colors: Gray Final Verdict Our favorite cat door is the Cat Mate Locking Cat Flap with Door Liner, which comes in two colors and is easy to install, with multiple magnetic locking options. If you’re looking for a passageway for your cat through an inside doorway, then check out The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door, which is a PVC-framed opening shaped like the silhouette of a cat’s head. What to Look For in a Cat Door Size Look for a cat door that is plenty large enough to allow your cat to enter and exit freely. Review the opening dimensions of any door you are considering, along with the recommended weight range for cats using the door. A good rule of thumb is to measure the widest part of your cat, along with the distance from the bottom of your cat's stomach to its shoulders. Add 2 inches to both of these measurements to find the ideal width and height of a cat door. Door Type Some cat doors are designed to be installed on any type of door, including interior, exterior, hollow core, and solid doors. Typically, cat doors for exterior doors will include a flap to seal the opening created by the cat door. When selecting a cat door for interior use, you'll see that most versions are open passages with no flap. Some of these cat doors feature a frame that can be easily stained or painted to match your interior door. In addition, some cat doors can also be installed on a wall to give your kitty a quick passageway from one room to another. Locking Mechanism A cat door is designed to provide easy access for your feline, but there may be occasions when you want to limit access. For this reason, many cat doors feature a locking mechanism. The most simple version is usually a plastic piece that slides down and prevents the flap from opening. However, a more advanced four-way locking mechanism provides greater control. With this type of locking system, the cat door can be set for your cat to enter only, exit only, enter and exit, or allow no access. The most advanced locking mechanisms on cat doors use a magnet on your pet's collar to allow the flap to open or use a chip reader to recognize your cat's unique microchip before opening. FAQ How do I install a cat door? Most cat doors include a template for installation. Along with the template, you'll need the following materials:Drill with 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch drill bitJigsawMeasuring tapePencilStart by measuring the distance from the bottom of your cat's stomach to the floor. This is approximately how many inches you should place the bottom of the cat door from the floor.Remove the door from its hinges and set it on two sawhorses.Place the template on the door, using the measurement from Step 1 to determine where the bottom of the cat door should be positioned. Keep in mind that the opening you cut should be at least 3 inches from any edge of the door.Trace around the template with a pencil and/or use tape to keep the template in place.Using the drill, make a hole in each corner of the template. Keep in mind that if you have a metal door (common for exterior doors), you'll need to use a drill bit specifically designed for this material.Starting in one hole, use the jigsaw to make a straight cut from one corner to the next, following the template as closely as possible. Repeat until you have cut out the opening for the cat door. (Similar to the drill bit, be sure to use a jigsaw blade intended for use on metal if cutting a metal door.)Finally, if you're using a self-framing cat door, insert the interior and exterior sides of the cat door frame. Attach using the included hardware, according to the instructions. If you're not using a self-framing door, you'll need to cut four pieces of wood to match the dimensions of your door, attach them to make a frame, and install this before the cat door can be installed. Where should I put my cat door? Install a cat door in a place that will give your cat easy access to a location frequently visited. For cats that spend time both indoors and outdoors, a common location for a cat flap is an exterior door.However, a cat door is also useful on interior doors to give your cat quick passage into a room where the litter box or food bowls are located. Many homeowners choose this solution when they set up their cat's litter box or food bowls in a laundry room, bathroom, or bedroom but don't want to keep the door to that room open all of the time. Why Trust The Spruce Pets This article was written by Steven Asarch, a writer for The Spruce Pets. As a devout cat dad of two, he has acquired extensive experience figuring out which products are perfect for his kitties. Asarch has previously analyzed testing data, tried out products at home, and provided recommendations for other categories of cat products, including catnip toys, wand toys, litter disposal systems, and also wrote an exhaustive list of the essentials you should have before welcoming a new kitten into your home. To get the best understanding of what makes an ideal litter box enclosure, Asarch spoke with Dr. Uri Burstyn, medical director of the Arbutus West Animal Clinic. Using his knowledge of the subject, Asarch examined the durability, quality, and ease of use. He compared materials and the ability to open or close the door. A previous version of this article was written by Christina Donnelly, a writer and small animal advocate. After Months of Scooping, We've Found The Best Cat Litter Disposal System Updated by Steven Asarch Steven Asarch Steven Asarch is a writer for The Spruce Pets. He has firsthand experience working with different feline products and taking care of two rambunctious felines. His cats are exceptional testers, who have tried out everything from automatic litter boxes to litter box liners and cat strollers. He loves everything high tech, especially if it's a product that he can use with his cats. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Explore more: What to Buy Cat Products Cat Supplies Advertisement