How to select the correct dog or cat door

A cat or dog door is a great way to improve your pet’s quality of life. Outdoor access allows them to get some physical exercise, mental stimulation and to take care of their business when it suits them. There are numerous types of pet door on the market, so here we’ll help you find the right one for you. 

How big is your pet?

First and foremost, you should choose a door that’s big enough for your pet to use comfortably. Before you choose a pet door, take at least one measurement of your pet. If you can get them to stay still, measure from the floor to the highest point of your pet’s back, usually just behind the head. 

As a general rule of thumb, the top of the pet door opening should be a minimum of 25-50mm higher than the height of your pet. The step over, which is the distance between the bottom of the pet door opening and the floor, shouldn’t be more than one third of your pet’s height. 

If you have multiple pets, measure your tallest pet for the size of the pet door, and your smallest pet to determine the step over height. If you have a kitten or a puppy, do a little bit of research to find out how large they will be when they are fully grown. 

Where is the door going?

Pet doors are generally designed to go in one of two places; in a wooden wall or door, or through a glass panel or ranch slider.

Wooden wall or door installation

Doors designed to be installed in wood will be available in a slim profile and a tunnel profile. The slim profile is for installations in thinner wooden panels while tunnels are suitable to install in walls. If you’re handy on the tools there’s a pretty good chance you can install these yourself. 

Glass panel or ranch slider installation

Doors designed for glass installation are usually very slim, as glass panels are much thinner than walls. These pet doors are a bit trickier to install, you’ll need to get a glazier in to cut a suitable hole for your install. Double glazing will make the process much more difficult (and expensive) and the best solution is to have your pet door installed when your double glazed windows are being made. If you’re installing the pet door in a ranch slider, make sure you consider the distance between the doors when they are open and choose a pet door that will give you enough clearance.

For Small to Medium Cats

Such as Minskin, Singapura, Munchkin, Cornish Rex, Bambino, Abyssinian, American Curl, LaPerm, Burmese.

Large Cats and Small Dogs

Cat breeds such as Maine Coon, Savannah, Ragdoll, Chausie, Ragamuffin, Siberian Cat, British Shorthair, Highlander, Turkish Van, British Longhair & Maltese and dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Pug, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Papillion, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Beagle & Poodles.

Medium Dogs

Such as Labrador Retriever, English Bulldog, Boxer, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Basset Hound, English Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel & Miniature Schnauzer.