Looking for a hassle-free alternative to letting your cat in & out of the house? Try a smart pet door. Using smart technology, smart pet doors connect to a special collar tag or microchip to identify your cat when they approach, open to let them through, and lock afterward to keep your home safe, during times set by you.
It’s a great way for your cat to maintain their freedom without you having to open and shut doors constantly – but with an added layer of security that the standard cat flap lacks. Keep reading for our best smart cat door picks, and if you enjoy cool pet tech products, check out our list of the Best Robot Litter Boxes.
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Description: SmartDoor™ Connected Pet Door – control your pet's access with the My PetSafe® app. Use the included Pet Door Key or your pet's microchip for secure entry. Durable, weather-sealed, and available in two sizes, it keeps unwanted guests out. Ensure your pet’s safety and happiness with the SmartDoor by PetSafe®. |
Description: The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is perfect for large cats and small dogs, only opening for your pet’s microchip or RFID collar tag. Featuring a built-in curfew timer, it can lock and unlock at specified times. Suitable for installation in doors, windows, and walls, it offers a 12-month battery life. Can Store up to 32 pets. |
Description: The Closer Pets Microchip Activated Cat Door allows only your programmed pets to enter while keeping others out. With a 4-way locking system and easy programming. Access for up to 30 cats. Suitable for doors, walls, and glass panels, and it features a weatherproof brush-sealed flap. |
SmartDoor™ Connected Pet Door – control your pet's access with the My PetSafe® app. Use the included Pet Door Key or your pet's microchip for secure entry. Durable, weather-sealed, and available in two sizes, it keeps unwanted guests out. Ensure your pet’s safety and happiness with the SmartDoor by PetSafe®.
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is perfect for large cats and small dogs, only opening for your pet’s microchip or RFID collar tag. Featuring a built-in curfew timer, it can lock and unlock at specified times. Suitable for installation in doors, windows, and walls, it offers a 12-month battery life. Can Store up to 32 pets.
The Closer Pets Microchip Activated Cat Door allows only your programmed pets to enter while keeping others out. With a 4-way locking system and easy programming. Access for up to 30 cats. Suitable for doors, walls, and glass panels, and it features a weatherproof brush-sealed flap.
Benefits of Smart Cat Doors
So why should you even consider installing a smart cat door? Smart cat doors offer lots of advantages that make them a must-have for modern cat owners. First, they provide enhanced security by using advanced technology to ensure only your pet can enter your home, preventing unwanted animals from coming in.
Another significant benefit is convenience. With a smart cat door, you no longer need to constantly open and close doors for your cat. The door automatically opens when your cat approaches and locks afterward, saving you time and effort.
Additionally, you can set specific times for the door to remain locked, giving you control over when your cat can come and go.
Smart cat doors can also help to maintain your home’s energy efficiency. Traditional pet doors can be drafty and let in outside elements, but smart cat doors close securely, keeping your home well-insulated. This not only keeps your living space comfortable but can also save on heating and cooling costs.
Top Picks
- Best Overall – PetSafe SmartDoor™
- Best Microchip Pet Door – SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
- Best Budget Microchip – Closer Pets Microchip Activated Cat Door
- Most Secure – PX-1 High Tech Pet Products Automatic Pet Door
- Best Built-In Timer – Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap With Timer Control
- Most Energy Efficient – PetSafe Extreme Weather Sliding Glass Pet Door
Quick disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review, but if you decide to purchase one of these products, we would love you to use our referral links within the article.
Best Overall: PetSafe SmartDoor™
The PetSafe SmartDoor™ is available to buy in two sizes and is designed for cats and dogs. It’s compatible with several types of doors and it comes with everything you need to install it, as well as a key collar tag and helpful guides on installation and training. It can also be used with your cat’s microchip.
Key features:
- Medium (10.8” x 14.3”, supports pets < 25 lbs) & large (16.5” x 23.1”, < 100lbs)
- Cats & dogs of all sizes
- White frame & tinted flap
- Durable plastic
- Weatherproof seal
- Wi-Fi features
- App-controlled
- Programmable schedules
- Operating mode & battery life indicator
- Compatible with metal, PVC, brick & wood
- Comes with installation materials & guide
- Collar key & microchip compatible
- Battery powered
What we like: The door is made from durable plastic, with a tinted flap for security. It’s also weatherproof with handy indicators of battery life and operating modes. The door can be easily set up and linked with an app, allowing for seamless control over your pet’s access. The ability to manage schedules, receive notifications, and control the door remotely provides a high level of flexibility. The smart technology ensures that only pets wearing the special collar tags can enter or exit, preventing unwanted animals from gaining access.
The installation process is straightforward, and the detailed instructions make it easy to follow. This door is particularly beneficial for busy families, as it offers the freedom for pets to come and go without constant supervision.
What to consider: The housing for the door is quite large, requiring a significant cutout, which can lead to gaps and potential drafts if not sealed properly.
SmartDoor™ Connected Pet Door – control your pet's access with the My PetSafe® app. Use the included Pet Door Key or your pet's microchip for secure entry. Durable, weather-sealed, and available in two sizes, it keeps unwanted guests out. Ensure your pet’s safety and happiness with the SmartDoor by PetSafe®.
Best Microchip Pet Door: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is designed for cats and small dogs and comes in black and white. It can be installed in wood, PVC, drywall, aluminum, and fiberglass and you can use it with their key collar tag or your pet’s microchip. It remembers up to 32 pets, so it’s ideal for homes with multiple smaller pets.
Key features:
- 6 x 8 x 9 inches
- Black & white options
- Cats & small dogs
- Remembers up to 32 pets
- Use with collar tag or microchip
- Several modes
- Easy to install & use
- Battery powered
- Compatible with wood, PVC, drywall, vinyl, aluminum, & fiberglass
What we like: It is easy to set up and program, integrating seamlessly with existing microchips, which eliminates the need for collar tags. The door allows pets to come and go independently, providing them with freedom while ensuring that only recognized pets can enter the home. The weather seal and sturdy construction add to its durability, making it suitable for various climates. Additionally, the door’s size accommodates both cats and small dogs, making it versatile for multi-pet households.
What to consider: The installation can be a bit tricky, particularly if it involves mounting through a wall, as it may require additional tunnel pieces and longer screws, which can complicate the process. The locking mechanism produces a noticeable click sound when the door operates, which might initially startle pets. The battery life can vary, and it’s crucial to use high-quality batteries to ensure consistent performance.
Full review: Read our full review here!
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is perfect for large cats and small dogs, only opening for your pet’s microchip or RFID collar tag to keep intruders out. Featuring a built-in curfew timer, it can lock and unlock at specified times. Suitable for installation in doors, windows, and walls, it offers a 12-month battery life with 4 C batteries (not included). It stores up to 32 pets and ensures your pet's safety and security at home.
Best Budget Microchip: Closer Pets Microchip Activated Cat Door
The Closer Pets Microchip Activated Cat Door is excellent value for money and it’s compatible with most common US microchips, including 15-digit ISO, AVIDXX, and AVID Encrypted.
Key features:
- 5 x 5 inches
- Grey design
- Tough polymer
- Thick lining
- Draft & weather-proof
- Different modes
- Compatible with most US microchips
- Use with up to 30 cats
What we like: It’s made from super-tough polymer with a thick lining and can be used with up to 30 cats for multi-cat homes. It’s designed to prevent unwanted entry of stray cats and other animals and has different manually operated modes such as in-only and locked. The cat door operates quietly, which is beneficial for pets that might be easily startled by noise.
Programming and setting up the device is straightforward, and it comes with detailed instructions that make installation simple, especially for those with some DIY experience.
What to consider: Whilst it easily fits walls and glass panels, adapters for metal doors are sold separately. The microchip detection can occasionally be inconsistent, which may result in the device not recognizing the chip every time.
Additionally, the seal may not be entirely effective in preventing water leakage, so extra measures might be needed to address this in certain weather conditions.
The Closer Pets Microchip Activated Cat Door allows only your programmed pets to enter while keeping others out. With a 4-way locking system and easy programming, it offers controlled access for up to 30 cats. Suitable for doors, walls, and glass panels, it features a weatherproof brush-sealed flap and requires 4 AA batteries for up to 12 months of operation.
Most Secure: PX-1 High Tech Pet Automatic Pet Door
The PX-1 High Tech Automatic Pet Door is our most secure pick. It’s suitable for pets weighing up to 30 lbs and comes with a collar that is recognized by the door.
Key features:
- 28 x 12 inches
- Cats & dogs under 30 lbs
- White design
- Kick-proof door
- Bullet-proof resin
- Automatic deadbolt
- Airtight & weatherproof
- Opens upwards
- Four-way control
- Dual-range controls
- Compatible with drywall
- Comes with collar
- Rechargeable battery
What we like: It’s made from bullet-proof resin and has an automatic deadbolt, with a kick-proof door and an airtight, weatherproof, and windproof closure. The door also opens upwards instead of outwards, so your cat doesn’t have to worry about getting hit in the face, and it offers four-way control with in-only, out-only, and full-access, or closed-and-locked options. The dual-range controls also allow you to set inside and outside activation distances independently.
The door’s automatic opening and closing feature, responsive to the pet’s presence, ensures that pets are never frightened by unexpected movements. This door is ideal for small, elderly, or frail pets, making it a versatile option for various pet needs. The setup process is relatively easy, and the clear instructions contribute to a smooth installation experience. The door provides excellent security by preventing unwanted animals from entering, offering peace of mind to pet owners.
What to consider: The microchip detection can occasionally be inconsistent, leading to the device not recognizing the chip every time. Some units may experience malfunctions over time, such as continuous opening and closing or failing to operate altogether.
The battery life can be a concern, as the door’s battery may not hold a charge well, requiring it to be plugged in constantly. Additionally, the collars that come with the door may feel flimsy and could potentially need frequent replacements.
The PX-1 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door by High Tech Pet opens upwards with the Microsonic Collar, ensuring no pushing is needed. Made from bulletproof resin with an automatic deadbolt lock, it offers superior security. The 4-way control allows for in-only, out-only, full-access, or locked options, and it opens only when your pet approaches. This airtight, weatherproof door fits pets up to 30 pounds and mounts flush to the wall for a secure and convenient solution.
Best Built-In Timer: Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap With Timer Control
The Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap With Timer Control has an in-built timer for those who don’t like to fiddle around with apps. It can be used with microchips or the brand’s ID disc and it can be used with up to nine cats.
Key features:
- 10 x 10 inches
- White paw print design
- Built-in timer
- 4-way locking system
- Draft & weather-proof flap
- LCD display
- Shows locking status & last used
- Displays current locations of pets
- Microchip or ID disc compatible
- Compatible with wood, PVC, drywall, metal, vinyl, aluminum, & fiberglass
What we like: The 4-way locking system gives you full control and the LCD display lets you know its current locking status, when it was last used, and your pet’s current location, which we absolutely love. It’s compatible with several types of doors and the brush-sealed flap is fully draft-proof and weatherproof for long-term use.
The built-in timer feature is particularly useful for setting curfews, ensuring pets stay indoors during specific hours. The cat flap is relatively easy to install and program. It provides a good balance of security and freedom, giving pets the autonomy to go in and out while preventing unwanted animals from entering. This cat flap is also a great option for households with multiple pets, as it can recognize multiple tags or microchips.
What to consider: The ID disc is sold separately to the door, so if you want to use that instead of your cat’s microchip you’ll have to make an extra purchase. The door can sometimes be easily breached by determined animals, such as raccoons, which can pull the door open if the locking mechanism isn’t robust enough.
While the built-in timer is a great feature, there have been instances where it did not function perfectly, allowing pets out during curfew hours. Additionally, occasional issues with the microchip recognition may result in pets being unable to enter or exit as intended. The door may also get stuck occasionally, requiring manual intervention to reset.
The Cat Mate Elite Microchip Cat Flap with Timer Control offers your cats secure and controlled entry using their unique microchips or Cat Mate I.D. Discs. The four-way lock system and timer function provide customized access and night-time security. It supports up to 9 cats and features a weather-proof, brush-sealed flap with a magnetic closure. Suitable for various door types, it ensures durability and ease of installation with a battery life of approximately 12 months.
Most Energy Efficient: PetSafe Extreme Weather Sliding Glass Pet Door
Although not smart in terms of electronic technology, the PetSafe Extreme Weather Sliding Glass Pet Door is smart when it comes to energy efficiency. It comes in two sizes and is suitable for cats and dogs. It can be installed two ways, with a super simple self-adhesive design ideal for renters that easily attaches and detaches from sliding glass doors, with no cutting required, or, it can be screwed in permanently. Everything you need for either installation comes with the door.
Key features:
- Medium (supports pets up to 40 lbs) & large (up to 100lbs)
- White design
- Vinyl flap
- Aluminum frame
- Dual-paned energy-efficient glass panels
- Magnetic seal
- Insulated 3-flap system
- Weather stripping included
- Security bar
- Self-adhesive or screw-in design
- Comes with installation materials
- Satisfaction Guarantee
What we like: It’s our top energy-efficient pick because it uses dual-paned energy-efficient glass panels. It’s also ideal for extreme weather climates, with its magnetic seal, weather stripping, and insulated 3-flap system to keep out wind, rain, and extreme heat and cold, as well as a security bar for secure locking.
It fits seamlessly into a sliding glass door, featuring dual-paned glass and weather stripping to maintain indoor temperatures and keep out extreme weather conditions. The door includes flexible flaps with a magnetic seal, ensuring a secure closure that keeps hot or cold air outside. The installation process is straightforward, making it easy to set up.
What to consider: The installation may require some modifications to fit certain sliding door tracks properly, which can be time-consuming and may need additional weather stripping. The heavy-duty design, while effective for weather resistance, may not be suitable if you have smaller pets or cats due to the weight of the door flap.
The PetSafe Extreme Weather Sliding Glass Pet Door™ is perfect for apartments, condos, and rental homes, offering easy installation with adhesive strips or screws. Featuring dual-paned glass, weather stripping, and three insulated flaps with magnetic seals, it ensures maximum energy efficiency. The adjustable height (75 7/8 inches to 81 inches) fits most sliding glass door frames, and it comes in medium and large sizes for pets up to 100 pounds. Secure your home with the included security bar and closing panel, making it ideal for all weather conditions.
FAQs
Are smart cat doors safe?
Smart pet doors are designed to be safe, they only open for your pets and lock behind them to keep your home secure. They only work during authorized times and the technology won’t interfere with anything else in your home.
Are smart pet doors good for cats?
Smart pet doors are great for busy cat owners who don’t want to be opening and closing doors all day long. However, no smart technology is a replacement for interacting with your cat, it’s only a tool to make life easier.
Are smart pet doors for indoor cats?
You can use smart pet doors for indoor cats, so long as your backyard is secure.
Can kittens use smart pet doors?
As long as your kitten can go outside (fully vaccinated, protected against fleas, worms, & microchipped), they can use a smart pet door. You can train them to use it by guiding them through it with treats.
Conclusion
Smart cat doors provide a convenient and secure solution for allowing your feline friend to come and go as they please, without the need for constant supervision. Our top picks, including the PetSafe SmartDoor™ highlight the best options available, each with unique features to suit different needs. Each of these smart cat doors offers something special, from advanced security features to energy efficiency, making them excellent choices for cat owners.
You may also be interested in checking out our list of Best Cat GPS Trackers That Specifically Designed for Cats.
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