Cats may be small, but choosing a pet door for them isn't as simple as "grab the tiniest flap." Cats are particular — about how a door feels, where it is, and whether they trust it. Get those details right and your cat will use it happily for years. Here's how to choose well.
Right-sizing for a cat
The good news: cats need a modest opening, so a cat door is one of the easiest, cleanest installs we do. But "small" still has to be correct. We look at three things — width at the shoulders, height, and the step-over (how high your cat lifts a paw to step through). Even for a cat, a step-over set too high will make an older or smaller cat hesitate.
A quick set of measurements at home helps you understand the fit (here's how to measure your pet), and we confirm everything precisely during the free visit.
Cats care about placement
More than dogs, cats are picky about where their door is. A few things that make a cat far more likely to use it:
- A calm, low-traffic spot — cats don't love coming and going through a busy area.
- A clear line of sight to the outside, so they can see where they're headed.
- A comfortable height off the floor — easy to step through, not a leap.
Part of our job is picking a location your cat will actually embrace, not avoid.
Cat-only options: keeping other animals out
If you have a dog too, or you're worried about the neighborhood cat or wildlife wandering in, you have options:
- A small manual door sized just for your cat (too small for most intruders).
- An electronic / microchip door that unlocks only for your cat — perfect for selective entry. (We compare these in electronic vs. manual pet doors.)
For multi-pet homes, this is often the deciding feature — your cat gets freedom while the dog (or the raccoon) stays out.
Where cat doors can go
Cats' small doors fit almost anywhere:
- Into a door — quick and clean.
- Through a wall — great for routing a cat to a specific spot, like a garage or catio.
- Into glass — for that sunny patio door your cat already loves.
- Into a screen — perfect for a screened porch.
Whatever your home is made of, there's a tidy way to give your cat their own doorway.
Comfort and security, both covered
A quality cat door still includes an insulated, weather-sealed flap and a locking panel so you can close the opening whenever you want — keeping drafts, weather, and unwanted critters out. Small door, same standards.
Help your cat love it
Most cats take to a new door within a day or two, especially with a little encouragement — propping the flap open at first and coaxing them through with a treat. We're always happy to share tips for your specific cat after installation.
Thinking about a door for your cat? We'd love to help you pick the perfect spot and size. Get a free quote — we install across Georgia, and every job is backed by a lifetime frame warranty.
