The Different Types Of Cat Doors And How To Choose
Cat doors are a household accessory whose versatility can be more useful than we might seem to imagine. Its types and functions offer a multitude of possibilities for the most creative owners.
Cats are characterized by their independent nature and spend several hours outside the family environment until the affection or desire to eat prompts them to return home.
This tendency to roam autonomously also occurs within the house itself, when moving from one room to another. In both cases, cat doors can facilitate the entry and exit of the animal in a safe and comfortable way.
Cat door classification
Currently, the market offers many models of cat doors, depending on the use and the cat that will use it. Some of the aspects that set them apart and that can help owners choose are:
- Animal Size : This is the first criterion to be checked. Although there are standard measurements of about 20 cm wide by 25 cm high, the weight and age of the animal may require special measures. Sometimes they are made with flexible frames that allow cats of different sizes to pass through.
- Future usefulness : determines the material of the cat door. Cat doors, contrary to what is generally believed, are not limited to outdoor spaces. In addition to the front door, they can also be placed on windows, furniture, facades and all types of wooden, metal, plastic or glass doors.
- Free or selective access : allows you to control which animal enters and exits through the door. In recent years, cat doors have been modernized to the point of detecting the pet’s microchip . That way, owners can rest easy knowing that no other stray animals will enter their home.
- Movement sensor : element whose informative mission serves to notify the entry or exit of the animal. Doors that feature a audible device type are useful because they allow the cat’s movements to be tracked without the need to view the cat door.
In addition to the different types of doors that are sold, there are many stores that provide materials for the construction of a cat door by the owners themselves, including the design.
In these cases, the most important thing will be to guarantee the animal’s measurements, the presence of smooth edges that prevent any type of injury and the installation of safety mechanisms through locks or sensors.
Recommendations for the use of cat doors
Once the door in question has been chosen, owners should get the cat used to using it whenever he wants to move from one room to another. This step can be complex, especially if the animal is used to indiscriminately exiting through any available window or door.
A good way to get into the habit of getting in and out of the cat door is to show that this is the only way through. For this, it is recommended that the cat door remains open continuously during the first few days.
In addition, it is possible to encourage the passage from one place to the other through games and, thus, help the animal to overcome possible fears regarding the use of this new domestic accessory.
In general, it can be concluded that cat doors are a safer option due to the ease with which they allow access from one side of the house to the other, as they not only focus on the entry or exit point, but also avoid risks, such as the numerous falls these animals are exposed to when trying to cross windows or terraces.
