Last updated Jul 11, 2025
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Installing a cat door is a simple way to give your cat the freedom to go where they please without sacrificing their safety. From simple flap-style doors and indoor cat portals to high-tech smart doors with microchip access, there’s a model to suit every need.
In this guide, you’ll find our top picks for the best cat doors. While the options are nearly endless, we focused on products that are easy to install from brands with a long history of customer satisfaction.
At a Glance: Best Cat Doors, Portals, Flaps and Electronic Doors to Buy
Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap Pet Door
- 4-way locking mechanism for custom control
- Very cost-effective, priced around $20
- Relatively quick and easy to install
SureFlap Microchip Cat Door
- Pairs with your cat’s implanted microchip or an RFID collar tag
- Equipped with a 4-way locking mechanism
- Instructions are straightforward and easy to follow
Purrfect Portal Meow Manor
- Compatible with solid and hollow core interior doors
- Stylish design that complements home decor
- Included template makes installation easy
PetSafe Pet Door
- Compatible with interior doors, exterior doors, and interior walls
- Simple flap-style door is easy for cats to use
- Paintable frame enables you to customize the color
Door Buddy Dog & Cat Door Prop
- Simple to install with only a Phillips screwdriver
- Adjustable opening width from 3-5.5 inches
- Convenient to use, accessible from both sides
PetSafe Window & Porch Screen Pet Door
- Compatible with screen doors, windows, and porch screens
- Simple installation with minimal tools required
- Lightweight door is easy for cats to use
Why Trust Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
When I adopted my first pair of kittens, we were lucky enough to live in a house with a screened-in porch. My cats loved to lounge out there, taking in the fresh air. When I moved into my current house, I immediately set to work building a catio so my current cats, Biscuit and Munchkin, could enjoy the same freedom.
Over the years, I’ve used a wide range of cat doors (both indoors and outdoors) to enable my cats to securely access their favorite spaces. To write this review, I drew on my personal experience and expanded my knowledge by testing some of the most popular cat doors currently on the market. I focused my search on well-respected brands and models that are relatively simple for the DIY-minded cat lover to install.
Top Picks Explained
The market for cat doors is constantly growing and changing. While our recommendations have changed since this video was created, it’s a great resource to gain insight on how cat doors work and what to look for when shopping for them.
The Top 6 Cat Doors on the Market
A long-time personal favorite of mine, the Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap is my top choice. This cat door offers a combination of affordability, versatility, and easy installation that many cat owners (including myself) appreciate. It might not be the perfect pick for every situation, however.
To help you understand what kinds of cat doors are available and how they work, I’ve assembled a short list of recommendations in different categories. Below you’ll find my top picks for low-tech cat flaps, indoor portals, and screen doors as well as innovative options like door props and electronic cat doors.
#1 Overall Best: Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap
If you’re looking for a versatile cat door that’s cost-effective and easy to use, the Ideal Pet Products Lockable Cat Flap is one to consider. It features a 4-way locking mechanism that gives you complete control over your cat’s access. And with a magnetic on the bottom, you don’t have to worry about the door getting stuck open.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
This lockable cat flap is compatible with both interior and exterior doors. The instructions are easy to follow, as well—just cut a hole using the included template and screw the front and back together on either side of it. I installed this cat door in a thick piece of wood and placed it in the window to give my cats free access to their enclosed catio. The flap measures about 6.25 by 6.25 inches.
What’s especially hard to beat about this cat door is the price. For less than you’d pay for a more basic model, this product offers decent durability, easy installation, and reliable performance. Mine has been installed for 2 years now with no issues.
Pros
- 4-way locking mechanism for custom control
- Very cost-effective, priced around $20
- Relatively quick and easy to install
- Compatible with interior and exterior doors
Cons
- Plastic locking lever may break with rough handling
#2 Best Electronic: SureFlap Microchip Cat Door
For ultimate control and customization, an electronic cat door like SureFlap is a popular pick. This cat door features a 4-way manual locking mechanism but the standout feature is its microchip compatibility. You can enable or restrict access by individual cats by pairing the device with their implanted microchip.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
There are several SureFlap pet doors on the market, so be sure to double-check the model you’re purchasing is the right fit. The newest model features a wider opening than the previous model (about 7 inches versus 4.75 inches). It also offers expanded programmability, right on the device. You need to purchase a separate hub to access advanced features via the SureFlap app with the previous model.
With or without the SureFlap Connect Pet Door Hub, both models are compatible with embedded microchips as well as SureFlap RFID collar tags. The door can store up to 32 individual microchips, enabling you to customize access in multi-pet households.
My cats had no issues using the SureFlap pet door and I found the installation instructions easy to follow. The device paired quickly with my cat’s microchip and the SureFlap app made it simple to program the settings. It requires four C-cell batteries which can power the door for up to 6 months.
Pros
- Pairs with your cat’s implanted microchip or an RFID collar tag
- Equipped with a 4-way locking mechanism
- Instructions are straightforward and easy to follow
Cons
- Priced over $150
- May require additional products to access advanced features
#3 Best Interior: Purrfect Portal Meow Manor
For an interior cat door that won’t clash with your home decor, consider the Purrfect Portal. Available in an array of styles, I chose Meow Manor—a miniature door complete with built-in windows and a locking knob.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The Purrfect Portal is compatible with both solid and hollow core interior doors. It’s perfect for cases where you want to restrict access by larger pets but don’t want your cat to have to push their way through a flap. The opening measures about 6.4 inches wide by 7.8 inches tall.
I installed the Purrfect Portal on an interior door to keep my dog out of the litter box room. The included template made installation very easy and I liked the aesthetics of the decorative trim and miniature door. My only complaint is that the door is pretty small—my cats are both under 8 pounds and still had to duck to get through.
Pros
- Compatible with solid and hollow core interior doors
- Stylish design that complements home decor
- Included template makes installation easy
Cons
- Door may be too small for some cats to use comfortably
#4 Best Flap-Style Door: PetSafe Pet Door
If you’re looking for a low-tech cat door that’s easy to install, consider this flap-style pet door from PetSafe. It features a durable plastic flap with a magnetic closure and comes with a snap-on panel to restrict access if needed. This door comes in three sizes, the small measuring about 5 inches wide and 8.25 inches tall.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
This flap-style cat door is versatile for both interior and exterior doors, whether they’re made from wood, metal, PVC, or paneling. With the included trimmable side panels, it can even be installed on interior walls. It has a paintable frame as well, so you can customize the color to match your decor.
I installed this cat door on a wooden interior door and found the process very straightforward. The flap itself is fairly heavy and the magnet on the bottom ensures it closes fully after each use. If you’re thinking about installing this in an exterior door, keep in mind that it doesn’t lock and determined pets may be able to push the snap-on closing panel out of place.
Pros
- Compatible with interior doors, exterior doors, and interior walls
- Simple flap-style door is easy for cats to use
- Paintable frame enables you to customize the color
Cons
- Snap-on closing panel may not hold against determined pets
- Included screws are plastic, not metal
#5 Best Door Prop: Door Buddy Dog & Cat Door Prop
If you’d prefer to avoid permanent installation of an interior cat door, a door prop could be a practical solution. Instead of cutting a hole in the door, simply replace the strike plate with a Door Buddy door prop.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
This adjustable prop holds the door open just wide enough for your cat to slip into the room. It’s an easy way to restrict access by children or larger pets while enabling your cat to come and go as they please. And if you want to get into the room, it’s no hassle—just turn the doorknob to retract the latchbolt and the door will swing free.
Installing the Door Buddy door prop only took me about 60 seconds. All you need is a Phillips head screwdriver to replace the switchplate with the Door Buddy. I found the prop easy to adjust and it was effective in keeping my dog out of the room.
Pros
- Simple to install with only a Phillips screwdriver
- Easily prevent access by larger pets
- Adjustable opening width from 3-5.5 inches
- Convenient to use, accessible from both sides
Cons
- May not deter children big enough to reach the doorknob
- Opening may not be wide enough for very large cats
#6 Best for Screen Doors: PetSafe Window & Porch Screen Pet Door
Give your cat unrestricted access through a screen door or window with this flap-style cat door. Designed with a high-impact plastic frame and tear-resistant mesh, this product works with both metal and vinyl-coated fiber screens. It comes in two sizes, the smaller with an opening 8 inches wide and 9.25 inches tall.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Whether you’re using it on a storm door or window screen, this cat door saves you the hassle of coming at your cat’s beck and call. The door swings freely and it’s lightweight enough that your cat shouldn’t have any trouble pushing through. If you want to keep your cat inside, the door has small safety locks you can engage.
Installing this cat door took me less than five minutes. As some customers have noted, however, installation can be tricky if you’re not able to remove the window screen or door to lay it flat before cutting out the hole. Also, while the door has safety locks, determined pets may still be able to push through.
Pros
- Compatible with screen doors, windows, and porch screens
- Simple installation with minimal tools required
- Lightweight door is easy for cats to use
Cons
- Installation may be tricky if you can’t lay the door/window flat
What to Consider When Shopping for Cat Doors
Choosing the right cat door is crucial, both for installation purposes and for your cat’s convenience. Whether you’re looking to give your cat unlimited access to an enclosed outdoor area or restrict other pets from accessing cat-only spaces inside, there are numerous factors to consider when shopping for a cat door.
Installation Location
Where you plan to install your cat door is the biggest factor in determining what type to buy. Depending on the model, cat doors can be installed in both interior and exterior doors as well as walls and windows. Once you’ve determined where you want to install the door, look for options specifically designed for that location.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to cut a hole in the door or window screen in order to install the cat door. If you’d prefer not to, a standalone cat door might be an option. Look for models that work with sliding doors or sash windows.
Door Dimensions
Pet doors come in a wide range of sizes, so choose one your cat can comfortably access. If you have multiple pets who will be using the door, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your biggest pet. Smaller pets should still be able to use it, as long as you install it at an easily accessible height.
Measure your cat’s height at the shoulders and add 1-2 inches to determine the minimum height for your cat door. Most cat doors are proportional in width but it’s worth double-checking your cat’s chest measurement just to be safe.
Security Features
Depending on the location of your cat door, a certain degree of security may be required. If your cat door leads outside, for example, a locking mechanism might come in handy. Locking mechanisms allow you to set the door for full out-and-back access or entry-only. You can also lock the door completely.
Cat doors for interior doors (also known as cat portals) generally aren’t appropriate for exterior doors, unless they lead into an enclosed space. Security features are limited for cat portals and some flap-style cat doors (generally magnetic doors that lack locking mechanisms). Electronic cat doors offer the highest security, pairing with your cat’s embedded microchip or an RFID tag to allow access.
Weather Resistance
If your cat door leads outside, consider features that improve weather resistance and energy efficiency. Durable materials are key to withstand wet and windy conditions while insulation will help prevent energy loss. Proper installation is also important for ensuring energy efficiency.
Ease of Installation
Most cat doors require you to cut a hole in the existing door or screen for installation. If you’re handy with tools, they’re generally pretty DIY-friendly. While you may only need a utility knife and rubber mallet for screen installations, interior and exterior cat door installations generally require a power drill and jigsaw.
The general process of installing a cat door involves tracing the included template in the desired position on the door. You’ll then need to use a power drill to make holes and a jigsaw to cut along the template. From there, it’s usually a matter of setting the front and back in place and screwing the pieces together.
Aesthetics
If you want your cat door to seamlessly blend with your home decor, be intentional about the style you choose. There are generally more style options for cat portals than for cat flaps and electronic doors, but there’s some variation in materials. Remember that once you cut the hole for your cat door, it won’t be easy to fill it back in if you change your mind later.
thank you for the information on cat doors. I’m a new cat person, always had dogs…but a feral who had kitty’s in my back yard, and I helped her and them along… has now adopted me… I had her fixed, shots, wormed etc. and she has never left,,, she’s indoor / outdoor,,, cant keep a caller on her, but all’s well…she’s driving me nuts with in and out so,,, I need a door Thanks again, Debbie Kreger