What's a Cat Door?
A cat door or pet door is a hinged flap that installs in a door, wall or window to give your pet more freedom to exit and enter a home or room. When the cat door is open, your pet can come and go on their own schedule, but a lock or slide-in panel lets you keep your cat in and unwelcome animals out.
Types of Cat Doors
Match your cat door to the installation location that works best for your pet and your home.
Entry and Interior Door Cat Doors
Entry door cat doors are the most common. Many entry door models work for interior doors as well, giving them access to their own private spaces, away from children and larger pets. Installing an entry door pet door is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project, but it does require cutting into your door, which typically voids the door warranty. If you’re considering a cat door for a rental property, talk to the rental authority to see what’s allowed.
A fire-rated exterior door may be required in some situations, and installing a cat door may invalidate the rating. Check your local building code before installation. Check your insurance policy as well for any restrictions that might apply.
Window Cat Doors
A window sash cat door is specifically designed for cats, allowing them to enter or exit at most first-floor windows that have an operable lower sash. This type of cat door is easy to install and gives you more location options than other types. You can easily remove them when you move or simply want to change the location of the door. Since they’re not permanent, sash window cat doors can be good options for renters.
Sliding Door Cat Doors
Like the window sash model, a sliding door cat door is easy to install and remove, making it another good option for a rental home. This model installs at the end of a sliding door track with the door panel butted against the frame. Since this type of pet door covers the latching point for the sliding door, it typically includes a secondary latch to install on the pet door frame.
Wall Cat Doors
A wall cat door gives you many placement options, but installation requires cutting through a wall and avoiding wires, ducts and pipes. The job might be best for a professional, and you might need to have the wall repaired when you move. You can find some entry door kits that work with a wall installation, but you might need to buy a tunnel piece to connect the interior and exterior frames.
Doors With Built-In Cat Doors
You can find front doors, storm doors, screen doors and sliding patio doors with a preinstalled cat door. This type of cat door is a good option if you’re replacing the door and want an easy way to give your cat more freedom. Look front doors with different glass styles and storm doors with retractable screens.
Sizing a Cat Door
You may see cat doors listed with basic information such as ideal cat weight and width. Product packaging may also tell you how to measure your cat to ensure a good fit, but here are a few general tips:
- Measure your cat's width at the widest point on their body. For most cats, this is at the chest or hips.
- Measure the height of your cat's body. Usually this is from the chest or belly to the top of the shoulders. Add two inches to the measurement.
- Weigh your cat.
- Match the measurements and weight to the door specifications.
If you have a kitten or young cat, plan for its adult size. You might be able to get an estimate from your veterinarian or by doing a bit of research.
Cat Door Safety
To help keep your cat safe when using a cat door, pay attention to the exit point:
- Make sure your pet won't be exiting near a street.
- Consider concealing the exit with planters or outdoor décor to give your cat cover until it’s comfortable moving into the open.
- For a window sash cat door, make sure the cat has a good launch and landing point.
- Lock the cat door or install the security panel once your cat is in for the night.
Finding the Right Cat Door for Your Home and Pet
The right cat door makes life easier for you and your pet. Shop Lowes.com to find models for entry doors, windows, sliding doors and walls. Or visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate. They can show you the available models and help you find a cat door that works for your pet and home.