A good owner must take into account the legendary need of cats and kittens to walk on their own. Any representative of this genus needs to be provided with freedom of movement: and the larger the protected zone in which the pet feels free from care, the happier, healthier and smarter it will be.
To solve this problem, there are two ways out - train the cat to open doors on its own, or provide special passages to help move around the apartment, house or fenced area.
Passage in the form of a manhole
The simplest device is an open hole in a door or wall, made taking into account the size of the cat. Such hatches and tunnels can be cut out yourself and decorated using frames selected according to the style of the interior. You can also purchase special models with brushes on the sides for combing while moving.
Passages open on both sides can be used for interroom communication, but they are not convenient for providing access to the tray in the toilet room, on an open balcony or plot of land - the isolation from cold, moisture, noise is impaired, and there is a possibility of other animals entering the house.
Aisle with hinged lid
Cat doors that open with a gentle push can often be seen in photos and videos about pets. They are installed on the bottom of the door leaf, the opening is adjacent to the floor or has the configuration of a slightly raised window.
A simple and lightweight partition only partially eliminates the violation of insulation between rooms.
To purchase ready-made models, it is better to go to the store with your pet: this will make it easier to choose the size, and you will have the opportunity to rehearse going through the door.
In pet stores you can find frames with hinged lids and several locking modes.
Purchasing such a cat hole, which can be built into doors or walls of any thickness, requires discipline: the owner must not forget to open the passage, and the pet must come to terms with its temporary closure.
Petsafe Staywell Deluxe – the best cat door in the door
Cat door made of high-quality plastic with a wood-effect design with 4 positions. Installed in a door, window or wall. Suitable for use in a city apartment and a private country house. Can be installed in walls of any thickness. To extend the passage, you need to purchase additional tunnel attachments.
4 door lock positions (closed, in, out, in and out) allow you to control the cat's movement around the apartment and house. Suitable for animals weighing up to 7 kg. Window size: 175×168 mm.
- Plus: the ability to adjust the length of the tunnel.
- Cons: high price.
Price: 2724 rub. More details about the product
Automatic doors
The most convenient option for simultaneously ensuring the isolation of the room and the free movement of cats is automatic models that can be installed on both the entrance and interior doors.
The cover of the device, set to open mode, is opened with a magnetic key attached to the pet's collar.
The owner can track the last direction of movement and use three locking modes at his discretion.
Models with microchip
The newest approach to pet safety involves implanting microchips or placing them on collars.
Electronic door models can read the animal's identification number. The door opens based on a signal from the antenna installed inside the passage: it only allows the pet to pass through and is instantly blocked.
The device runs on batteries and comes with a remote control key fob for displaying information and setting locking modes.
Cat door - classification and types
Flush doors for cats are classified according to the following criteria:
- By type of material. Doors are made of wood, aluminum and plastic.
- To size. The dimensions of the door depend on the size of the pets.
- By design. The main types are: manhole, window and door.
- Manhole (tunnel). The simplest design. This is a kind of hatch in the door for a cat, which is given an interesting shape so as not to spoil the appearance of the door and the room. It does not have a door, so it is not suitable for entrance doors. Manhole is an interior solution. In order to increase functionality, special brushes are installed around the perimeter of the hatch to comb out loose hair.
- Window with movable door. It differs from a manhole in the presence of a door that opens in both directions. Just like the hatch is not suitable for entrance doors, since it can be used not only by pets, but also by neighbor cats and stray animals. In addition, the window does not provide reliable heat and sound insulation.
- Door. A door-to-door cat door is a sophisticated hermetic design that prevents cold, odors and foreign animals from entering the house. Factory versions of such products are often equipped with complex electronics and magnetic locks that respond to a key located in the pet's collar and open only in front of your cat. Doors with magnetic locks are an ideal solution for entrance doors.
Homemade cat doors
Before making a hole in a door or wall for a cat to crawl through, you need to correctly calculate the area of the hole and select materials in advance to strengthen and design the opening.
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When calculating the dimensions of a passage equipped with a homemade sash, you need to make a reference to the fastening mechanism, which can reduce the internal perimeter.
To make use comfortable for the cat, the opening can be raised above the floor level: the lower horizontal line should coincide with the height of the abdomen.
Open passages that are cut through interior partitions can be designed in the form of an arch.The inner part and joints with decorative trims must be carefully processed and lining made to prevent injury.
To build a cat door with your own hands, you can purchase ready-made ventilation pipes and windows with sashes selected to size. They can be converted into a double-sided version by removing the locking frame.
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The door leaf should be as light as possible: therefore, it is better to choose plastic of the appropriate size or thin plywood.
You need to block the door with a light latch, without adding additional weight to the door. A shock absorber made of rubber or silicone can be installed on the frame to absorb noise when closing the sash.
Door types
Before purchasing a toilet door with a special opening for a cat, it is important to consider the size of the animal and some other characteristics.
Construction materials:
- Light metal;
- Tree;
- Plastic.
There are several options for cat doors:
- Window with hinged door;
- Mortise product;
- A manhole without a door;
- Electronic door.
Each of the listed designs has both its pros and cons, and before choosing one or another model, it is worth thoroughly studying all the features of each type.
Manhole without a door
This is a kind of framed opening made in a wall or door. Its only advantage is that it has no door and therefore there is no possibility of jamming or breaking. Well, as for the disadvantage, it is the complete openness of the passage.
In addition, the edges of such a hole are often trimmed with fabric or bristles, which allows for additional care of the animal’s fur. You can install such a manhole yourself, without resorting to anyone’s help. To do this, you need to insert it into an already prepared hole or make it yourself in the same shape as the hole.
Window with hinged door
This is an opening for a cat, to which a door is attached in the form of a wobbly plate, which allows the animal to enter and exit without hindrance. Some door models are equipped with latches, magnets, Velcro, etc.
If we compare the hole on the hinge with the hole in the door for a cat to go to the toilet, then it will not let cold air flow into the house. This option is perfect for installation in interior doors, because it will merge with the canvas and will not be noticeable.
The only drawback of such doors, especially if they are installed in a toilet, is that they can sometimes let in unpleasant odors and even sounds.
Mortise product
In appearance, it resembles a miniature copy of the entrance canvas. Can be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions. Unlike all previous options, this type of door does not allow odors, sounds, and is also completely sealed.
They are presented in a wide variety of design solutions and therefore everyone can choose the ideal option, suitable not only in size, but also in design. The only drawback of such doors is their high cost, which starts from 2000 rubles.
Electronic door
This is one of the varieties of the mortise model; it is only supplemented with a special motion sensor, thanks to which when the pet enters or exits, the sensor is triggered and the color of the light bulb changes on the display.
Another advantage of the door is that it can inform the owner about the location of the animal. The only drawback is that the cost is too high, but you won’t be able to make it yourself.
Photo of a door for a cat
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