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Cat Doors

Top Three Shopping TipsCat Doors

Do you want your furry friend to experience the great outdoors where he or she can climb trees and scratch away to their heart’s content? Maybe you’re not always available to open the door when your kitty wants out. In that case, cat doors can mean the difference between a happy kitty with free access and a bored kitty cooped up inside.

If you’re considering getting a dog door instead, understand there are differences between a cat door and one for dogs. Cat doors are more squarish while dog doors are narrower and taller. To find the perfect cat door for your kitty, consider the following shopping tips.

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Cats On The Sofa

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Different installation styles to choose from

Cat doors come in a variety of styles depending on how you want your kitty to use them. For instance, you can install a cat door in the exterior door to your home for easy access to outdoors, or you can install cat doors in walls that are like tunnels from the inside to the outside for kitties to pass through. Some cat doors can also be installed in windows and work with windows that slide sideways or ones that slide up to open. A key consideration is the thickness of the door, wall, or window in which you plan to install your new cat door. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for thickness before you purchase your cat door.

Cat Go Out Through Cat Door

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Control entrance and exit

While most cat doors have a cat flap that you can lock to control whether your cat stays in or goes out, how the flap is used varies between models. You have four different types of entry and egress from which to choose. First is a magnetic cat door that is unlocked by a magnetic collar you put on your cat. Another option is an infrared key collar. Your cat wears a special infrared collar that unlocks the door whenever he or she is near. A similar option is a microchip cat door that works with the microchip implanted by your veterinarian. This option is the most secure because only your cat can operate the flap to open or close. The magnetic and infrared doors can be accessed by other animals wearing similar collars, making them less secure.

Cat Sit Near Cat Door

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What to look for in cat doors

Here are the key considerations for choosing the right cat doors for your kitty and your home:

Flap size — Flaps come in all sizes, so it’s important to make sure the one you choose fits your kitty. Measure your kitty’s width and height; these will be your minimum measurements for flap size.
Security — From rather insecure flaps that let any animal inside your home to ones that only operate when your specific cat comes and goes, choose the style that offers the security you’re most comfortable with.
Installation — You want a cat door that’s easy to install. Make sure to check reviews to see how easy others have found cat doors to install to decide whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional.

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Choosing the Perfect Cat Door and Accessories

Cat doors are a great option for people with cats that like to roam both indoors and outdoors. These cat doors give the cats freedom to come and go as they please, and they give pet owners freedom from having to go to the door each time the cat wants in or out. Because they are often seen as finicky, giving the cat the freedom may just cause them to love you a little more.

Cats are able to come in to eat and drink as they please, and some doors even provide protection from other animals as they are controlled by a sensor on the cat’s collar. If you have a cat that likes to roam outside, and you live in a safe area for pets, you might want to consider purchasing a pet door to benefit both your cat and you.

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exterior cat doors

Benefits

Cat doors are a great option for people who want to give their cats the freedom of going indoors and outdoors when it desires to do so. Cat doors also provide a barrier between the home and the outside. This keeps insects and debris out, while also keeping warm or cool air in the home. There are many different types of pet doors you will be able to choose from.

There are even electronic doors that are available. A sensor in your cat’s collar lets the door know when to open. If you also have a dog, you might even want to consider installing a cat door on an interior door to allow your cat to have a space of its own.

interior cat doors

Safety

When it comes to pet doors, whether they are concerned about other animals or intruders, some people are skeptical when it comes to home safety. However, generally, these concerns are unnecessary. It is very possible, and encouraged, for you to install a safety door to slide over your pet door.

These doors are made of metal and can be closed and locked at night, when you are not home, or when it is unsafe for your cat to be outdoors. Also, be sure to purchase the correct sized door. A larger door allows more of a chance for either animal or human intruders. Also, when installing the pet door, ensure that no one can reach the lock through the pet door, to prevent possible intruders from using pet door to unlock your door.

cat door

Shopping Tips

When you go to install your door, you want to be sure that you have purchased the correct size to minimize any possible damage. Of course, you don’t want to order a door that is too small, or it cannot function. It is also important that you do not purchase a door that is too large.

If you order a pet door that is larger, it could potentially allow more animals into your home, and you do not want larger animals in your home, especially with your smaller pet. Always ensure that the pet door has been constructed with durable materials that will last, and be sure to check the door for a warranty.

Questions And Answers

How secure are dog doors?

How secure the door is will depend on the type of dog door that you purchase. Some doors have built-in security features that will only allow the pets that you permit to enter and exit the pet door that you have. Other doors allow you to set times for access.

Do pets need to be trained to use a pet door?

For the most part, yes, pets do need to be trained to use a pet door. It usually doesn’t take long for pets to learn how to use the pet door.

Can you get a pet door for the average sized door?

There are pet doors for all types of doors. Even if you have an average sized exterior door, you can have a pet door installed into it.

how do I measure my dog to determine the pet door size?

Measure the widest part of your pet and add about two inches for safety reasons. You can also allow your pet to walk through the door to get the width, again adding two inches. Now, measure from the shoulders of your pet to the ground. This is the height.

Should you get a pet door?

If you have a pet, then yes, you should get a pet door. Your pet deserves to have some freedom and be able to get outdoors when they need and want to.

is installing a pet door hard to do?

Installing a pet door does take quite a bit of work. You will need to place a template on the door and make sure the cut is exact, so the pet door fits correctly.

How do you train a dog to use a doggie door?

Training your dog to use the doggie door is not difficult. You can entice your dog to go through the door a few times. Let them see that the door is there for them to use. Before too long, your dog will understand that he can use this door.

Can you use a dog door for cats?

Yes, a dog door can be used for cats. They might need to be trained how to use the door and not all cats will enjoy using the dog door.

Are there different kinds of pet doors?

Yes, there are many different types of pet doors. Some of them are opened by a flap and there are other pet doors which are electronic.

How do you install a pet door?

To install this door, measure your dog’s or cat’s height at shoulders near your door. Take door off and put template for pet door on it. Drill in holes at corners of template. Check proper fit and install the flap or door. Hang your door back on hinges.

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DO IT YOURSELF

pet door

How To Install A Pet Door

Unless, you have a pet who can wait hours and hours to go outside to relieve themselves, you are going to run into some problems. Are you tired of having to run your pet outside hour after hour? Maybe you even have a pet that won’t go poop and pee at the same time so you must take them out even more. If you feel like a slave for your pet, it is time to learn how to install a pet door. Once you have the pet door installed, you are going to feel more like your pet is a member of the family instead of a constant reminder that you never get to sit down and just enjoy them.

Written byCara

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INTERESTING RESOURCES

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Sliding Screen Door With Dog Door

Are you looking for a new sliding screen door for your home? Is your old one worn or all scratched up? Have you been reluctant to purchase one for fear that your animal will not be able to get in and out? The good news is that you can now find sliding screen doors with dog door. This means that your pet will be able to gain access to the outside and you can finally have that nice screen door that you have been thinking about. When you have a fenced in yard, the freedom to run around back there is great for the kids and your pets need easy access to the outdoors, just like we do. When your pet is able independently transition from outdoors to indoors your life suddenly becomes much easier. You don’t have to jump up from the sofa where you’re relaxing with a good book to let the dog out, only to find that before you get back to your seat he’s ready to come back in. No more waking up in the middle of night to take Fido out for his late-night bathroom break, instead you can stay in bed and your pet can handle his own business. But, what do you need to consider before buying? read more

Animal Size

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Door Size

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Comparison

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dog standing in front of a door that has a pet door installed

High Priced Pet Doors

Expensive Pet Doors Supersede the Needs of Pets & Their Owners Individuals who own animals need a pet door. The pet door is a smaller door built into a larger stationary object. Generally, pet doors are installed into doors, although some models allow insertion into a wall. These doors give the pet access to the outside and freedom to re-enter when it chooses. Independence is in the bag when expensive pet doors are installed at your home, providing ease and functionality for both the homeowner and the pet. Consider how easy it will be for your pet if you have a fenced in yard and you have to go to work, you won’t have to come home to a mess in the house. Furthermore, having just one style never comes into question when installing a pet door. There are hundreds of styles and designs of pet doors, with features and functions that add versatility. There are pet doors for pets of all size and since there are no limitations on their placement, it is easy to make the installation at your home without delay. It can be a DIY project for many people so check it out to see if you can handle it and save yourself some money by eliminating the installation costs. read more

Cost

cat and a dog standing together

Placement

poodle using a dog door with a flap

Size

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Best Dog Door

A home isn’t complete without a pet and in some cases a pet is all that a person may live with. A large percentage of the households in the U.S. own a pet; 68% to be exact. At more than 2/3 of the population, that figure speaks for itself: pets are an important part of the American way of life. As a pet owner, you are responsible for taking care of your furry friend’s needs. Along with food and water, making sure your pet has the freedom to move in and out of the home should be considered. Whether it makes it easier for you or the pet, the convenience of having a dog door may lower the pet’s anxiety of rushing outside when it is time to “go”. Additionally, during the long, cold winter, there can be no more opening the house door wide and letting in the icy cold air, because your pet can use its own smaller, quicker closing, dog door. This is just one example of why dog doors are a must for every home shared with a canine companion. The invention is a blessing for dog owners everywhere because it allows their pets to go outside and come back in as they please especially when no one is at home. read more

Three Types

electronic dog door

Energy Efficiency and Other Considerations

dog door for wall mount

Safety and Durability

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