Best cat doors, steps, nets & pens according to redditors
We found 130 Reddit comments discussing the best cat doors, steps, nets & pens. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 130 Reddit comments discussing the best cat doors, steps, nets & pens. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I have this one, it's a sureflap one and is a little more expensive, but it detects the cats microchip so no need for a collar attachment. It's very good. Bought a cheaper one which let any old cat in and had lots of issues of other cats coming in. In fact one day I had it set to in only and left the hallway doors shut and got woken up to a random cat trapped running full speed into the cat flap trying to escape.
Is your cat microchipped? If they are, this should work.
Maybe use a door strap of some sort?
He sounds like quite the escape artist though, so I’m not sure if would work. A crate might be an option if it doesn’t exacerbate his SA.
That is awesome! Though not as elegant, we got this one for our basement door to their litter box, and it works great! Both of our cats...even our 14 lb tubbo flies in and out of it.
fun cat door
It sounds like you don't have a cat any more, but they make cat doors with microchip readers for this use case.
Amusingly, the features list mentions that it has "simple one button programming for up to 32 cats", so I guess it's useful even if you are the neighborhood kitty collector.
No
Prevue Pet Products 7500 Premium Cat Home with 4 Levels, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015RRSZXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_L223MEFxqfJob
Something like
this
It's very similar.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017KXN7DG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cYbeBbPZRJNNF
The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door Hidden Litter Box Pet Door for cats up to 21 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017KXN7DG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rO1LDbZ7NS4AM
We got this- pretty corny and cute at the same time and keeps the dog out of the litter box!
As I was documenting the various harnesses, leashes, and muzzles we've accumulated for Scully in less than two months adopting her, it had me thinking: what tools have brought you success with your reactive pup?
Honorable Mentions:
Clicker: Love!
Travel Kennel! I love, love this. Scully went insane her second car ride, and it was unsafe for everyone involved. Since she is already crate trained she was comfortable with this very quickly. I do have to put a blanket over it as she can see through the mesh windows.
We only baby proofed as needed. This meant electrical outlet covers for the living room, baby gates to keep him in the living room even if I wasn't there, and a (cabinet latch)[http://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Cabinet-Decor-2-Count/dp/B005XTCOP2/ref=sr_1_20_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1463756508&sr=1-20&keywords=cabinet+lock] to keep him out of the cabinet with cleaners, etc., that we couldn't move. My son is pretty cautious, so the same might not work for everyone, but I am really glad now that he is older that we didn't waste time/energy on a lot of the contraptions that didn't matter for us. It also meant that we could spent a little more money on the things we did buy so they are a nicer to look at and easier to work as an adult.
I use this to keep my 16 month old out of the laundry room where the litter box is. You could also use this along with a finger pinch guard if you don't want to screw anything into the door.
Found this thing, seems like a good solution. I was kind of looking forward to making a DIY project out of it, but I have a feeling it would've ended up guillotining ol' Felix in half.
We have a baby gate with a cat door. But a small dog might be able to get through.
There's also this:
Door Buddy Adjustable Door Strap & Latch. Easy Way To Dog Proof Litter Box. No More Pet Gates Or Cat Doors. Convenient Cat & Adult Entry. No Tools Installation. Stop Dog Eating Cat Poop Today! (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016QT678M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6NSQBb5EC54J0
Dog gates are my life's passion. Since it's a high traffic area, you're going to want a swinging walk-through gate if at all possible. Gates that you have to step over get old FAST and are a trip hazard (you think you'd get used to it. Four years later and I still trip over it sometimes). I don't know what your cubicle walls are made of, if they're sturdy enough to support a pressure mounted gate or not. Hard mounted would be ideal (many are configurable to fit your weird angled wall), but likely your management won't want you to screw anything into the walls. That leaves an exercise pen as another great option, used as makeshift wall rather than an enclosed circle. Some have "gates" you can step through. They are easy to sort of lift one end up and moved out of the way, and replaced back down after walking through it.
Exercise pen with gate:
https://www.chewy.com/midwest-exercise-pen-step-thru-door/dp/45380?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=MidWest&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKEAjw07nJBRDG_tvshefHhWQSJABRcE-ZfgHf2uzSKV49nBolahtMTgS8TQlv6I9faEBTL0McjBoCLqHw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Pressure mounted 52 in gate, Groupon. I have like 3 of these:
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-regalo-baby-safety-gate-1?deal_option=fe570c8e-29f2-11e7-82b0-00259069d7cc&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_DT_SEA_GGL_TIM_TTT_PADS_CBP_CHP_NBR_g*gg-regalo-baby-safety-gate-1_productpartitionid*301711209503_campaignid*228801421_adgroupid*44435073720_prodtarget*301711209503_productid*58469349_d*Goods-Product-Ads_mobile*true_keyword*_adtype*pla_merchantdid*10018412_c*192368130883_k*_m*_target*aud-297096541820:pla-301711209503_adposition*1o8&mr:referralID=136c3ff5-4623-11e7-9227-005056946dac&gclid=CjwKEAjw07nJBRDG_tvshefHhWQSJABRcE-ZVF6kHuE8g8ZdTi3vm8NjOCvrQvq0CoMH3u6dG_gJfxoCMGvw_wcB&fallback=true
Another option is to use a standalone/freestanding gate. I have several. These are really nice, but many are flimsy and can be pricey. I'm guessing your office has carpet. If you go this route, get a gate with legs like this one. I have this one as well. Many dogs can push through them/push them over, just an FYI. But they look great and will contain dogs that respect barriers. The kind that look like this are laughably easy to knock over, esp on carpet.
You'll want to price shop. My links are just examples, I bought many on EBay and thrift stores for much better prices. Though that Groupon link actually is a good deal.
We used to have it in the laundry room but got tired of the litter going everywhere because that was such a high traffic space. Now we moved it to the basement with this kitty door after seeing someone with the same setup with a small closet.
We have two cats that have neurological disorders, so the other three beat up on them pretty badly.
To give those two a safe shelter, we installed this in the wall between our bedroom closet and the hallway to allow the two cats through into our room to hide.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NH6NR0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We programmed it to their two embedded RFID tags, and allowed only those two in, while allowing all out. That way, if any of the others get into our room, they can show themselves out.
It has been a miracle cure for a lot of the fighting between the cats, and I can't recommend it enough.
Take one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/SureFlap-Microchip-Cat-Door-White/dp/B003EGIM3O
And put it in or on one of these (or a screened wooden cube) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ikea-ps-cabinet-red__0280548_PE419363_S4.JPG with a latch that only allows you to push OUT with a minimum of force to get out - my personal preference is to just use a light magnet strip on the door. Think of it like a reverse crab trap - hard to get in, easy to get out of.
The chip reader won't unlock for the wrong cat; you enter the chip info into the cat door.
Then porkbelly boy can't shove his way in, and the other cat / kittens can get in just fine.
I got a few of the Ikea PS and Besta cube things a while back and took out a glass frame to staple hardware cloth over one door and used a kidproof magnet lock. You can easily convert these over to hidden cat litter areas with cat flap on one side, litter storage on the other, and a bunch of charcoal filters on any exposed air slits.
My dog door is cut into the house. It’s made with flimsy material and in the winter, it freezes open. It is extremely drafty.
My cat door is installed into a window . When it is too cold for him to go outside, I just use a blanket and cover the little door to help reduce drafts.
I bought this one
I have 2 cats so I wanted plenty of room. It’s worked really well for short periods of confinement. Big enough to hold a litter box if it needed to in an emergency.
How about this - do you have an internal door into a room which "Hoover" can be excluded from, and it doesn't cause any issues? If so, you could install an electromagnetic door that Dainty could wear the "key" magnet for, so she could go in and out. If you don't have a separate room, maybe build a wooden box with a perspex window, and put the electromagnetic door in that. Example door in the link below:
http://smile.amazon.com/Cat-Mate-Electromagnetic-Flap-White/dp/B0002DHN6Y/ref=pd_sim_sbs_petsupplies_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1NEYV0Y1M88W9FKTA319
Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Electronic-SmartDoor-White-Large/dp/B000WJ0IGA
I don’t think what you want is really possible. The only thing that makes it a “doggy door” is that it’s a “doggy-sized door.” Your cat doesn’t know what it’s called, only that it’s his size and he can go through it. By wanting the convenience of a doggy door you’re giving up control of the door. That means the cat can go through but also a raccoon could come in, or a child, or a burglar(maybe?). If that compromise isn’t worth it to you anymore then get rid of the doggy door.
The only thing I can think of is to get a new door like [this](SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NH6NR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BeP-zbVRZS74A) that lets you use RFID to determine whether the door should be open or not based on the animal’s tag or microchip. But even then your cat could learn to sneak out when the dog does.
Sureflap Microchip Cat Flap https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003EGIM3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Zrl.zb057N9J0
Hope that works. I got that one when I bought my house because the reviews were great. I have two cats and was able to program it to their microchips so either of them can come and go (even if they lose a collar) but no fuzzy visitors otherwise (was an issue at the old house, where the flap was very basic.) It's been great! It was easy to teach the cats to use it, and easy to see when it needs a fresh battery.
Ok, so the main challenge is: you have a cat of your own, which makes it pretty tricky. Those tom cats have established dominance over yours. Having been in this position myself, the best solution is to install a chip-activated cat door which will keep devil-cats out and allow yours to come and go. I've done some research and this is the highest rated one: http://www.amazon.com/SureFlap-Microchip-Cat-Door-White/dp/B003EGIM3O It's not cheap. But you can either throw money at the problem or 'spirit away' his cats to a place far, far away and risk World War 3 with your neighbour. Better to pay up for the cat door and be the better person.
We feed ours twice a day, but with automated feeders (other models available etc, this is just an example), and if you can get a good cat flap we have this one, and if you can promise to provide fresh water daily, and get him/her neutered/spayed, they're pretty self reliant.
There's a thing called a "selective entry" pet door. Basically, it has an electromagnetic lock and you put a bauble on your pets collar that contains an RFID chip. The authorized animal gets close enough and the door unlocks. Your cat might still be able to slip out behind the dog, but it won't be able to get out on it's own.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Electronic-SmartDoor-Automatic-Activated/dp/B000WJ0IGA/
I use a cat cage that I refitted with wood rather than plastic shelves and flooring
https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-3-Tier-Cat-Cage-Playpen/dp/B07CMY5Y1P/ref=asc_df_B07CMY5Y1P/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292956734836&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9730653190903959204&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002257&hvtargid=pla-572309940626&psc=1
(very easy, and a good size for non babies) my boy likes. Overall it was about 130 Canadian and it’s much larger than the temporary one I got for my parents place (metal shelves rather than plastic and bottom refitted with wood as well)
https://www.amazon.ca/Ware-Manufacturing-Level-Indoor-Medium/dp/B001ATBPQS/ref=asc_df_B001ATBPQS/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293024372872&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10593479988397991977&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002257&hvtargid=pla-384828033586&psc=1
I picked this one up for my mastiff. It is pretty much one of the biggest I could find. Ideal Pet Products Designer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TJDM2H?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Would something like this work? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016QT678M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6qtLybJH95JWA
ideal pet
This is what we have. It is great. Yes you do have to cut a hole but for BIG Pyrs (or as they age) it is really easy for them to get through. Has two flaps to keep weather out. Strong magnets. Our kitties have figured out how to use it—but it takes them a while to get the magnets to “let go!” Highly recommend it.
If your dog is bigger than your cat, I would recommend something like this:
Door Buddy Adjustable Door Strap and Latch - Grey. Dog Proof Litter Box The Easy Way. No Need for Pet Gates or Interior Cat Door. Use This to Keep Dog Out of Litter Box and Cat Feeder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016QT678M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JKKNDbMRXEGWK
I used this when my dog wanted to get in and eat out of the potty box. The strap is adjustable, so if you adjust it to your cats size they can get into the room with the potty box, but if your dog is bigger they can’t get in. This won’t solve your larger issue of potty problems, but it may solve the problem with your cat not using the potty box.
This wall poster
A wonderful way to clean your cat RIP Lue
NSFW begins here
Anything by this man His books include
Whatever this book is about the microsoft word paperclip
I have one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SureFlap-Ltd-Microchip-Door-White/dp/B003EGIM3O/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1506094067
It doesn't work on a timer, but will only allow your cat in and I turn it to one way entry at dusk, so he can get in but not back out again.
Here is a cute site filled with cat patio ideas i stumbled across when i wanted to do something similar with my pet rabbit who lives in a hutch off the ground. I know some of it loos extremly elabrate but, there are plenty of simple designs that you can copy, too. Best of wishes!
there's also this which isn't really DIY but, i thought it was neat and worth mentioning.
I have used a canvas collapsible crate in my trunk. You can just fold it down when the dog's not coming. This is what I have, it's cheap and has held up really well. I also really like the idea of easily being able to slice it open in the event of an accident.
If it's a corgi you really only need to find some stable table-ish surface. A console table next to a bench for confortable leaping would be one option.
For the doorway idea they sell some but they tend to be expensive. See if your cat can fit through a cardboard box hole that corgi can't before buying one. Some cheap people
like mehave also used a picture from to cover the ugly hole.Also this door cat tree is cool if you adapt it to a wall mount (the door is shakey) and just want something to be done with. It's a little cheaper off Amazon.
PS where are our corgi and cat pictures?
It sounds like you just have one food bowl currently, is that correct? You may be able to remedy some of the problem by dividing their food amongst multiple bowls or food-dispensing toys (even better than bowls, especially for weight-loss!) in different areas of the house.
Otherwise, you may be able to get away with feeding Skinny inside a large rubbermaid-type container with either an opening cut just big enough for Skinny to enter but not big enough for Fatty to sneak in, or with a magnet activated cat door like this (just only put the magnet collar on Skinny).
I found this while looking for anti-scratch aides for my cat:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YJ4K0RQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_AakoxbEB1V0YB
I have a couple of these for the rooms my cats' boxes are tucked away in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWV0VEC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_MhrqDb9PTD577
Was super easy.
Ok, so, in the theme of Weird Stuff that Makes My Life Better: I wanna talk about my cat door. I know. Who cares. But this little thing means I don't have to have a litter box, which means that I don't wake up and stumble around and have tiny sharp litter shards poking my feet. And my house, frankly, no longer smells like a litter box, which, you know, to each their own, but I prefer it that way.
But here's why it's so awesome! It's an RFID enabled door! So it reads the chip in my cat's neck, the one the vet puts in when they're babies. It'll only open to the animals I've (quite literally) scanned into it.
For dog-havers, there's a bigger one that also has a neat timer function, so you can tell it to only let them go one way at certain times. Here's a link 'cause I'm a weirdo and everyone with indoor/outdoor pets should take a look! https://www.amazon.com/SureFlap-DualScan-Microchip-Cat-Door/dp/B00GAZZIMY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=rfid+cat+door&qid=1562174072&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Cool project! Ever consider an RFID cat door to keep weather and other animals out?
I built a house for our outdoor cat. https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Interior-2-Way-Locking-White/dp/B00061RIT4
It is -21F today. We expect to see -30 before the week is out.
It's like any other pet door but with an electronic/magnetic latch. The latch is magnetically operated like a key. A magnet gets close enough to the latch and it unlocks the pet door allowing the approved animals through. Here's an example of one.
They sell doggy doors for windows.
Otherwise you could always hire a dog walker to let your dog out for you.
I think you need one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Kittywalk-Outdoor-Enclosure-Patios-Balconies/dp/B0002ZAG52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405573377&sr=8-1&keywords=kittywalk
My cat is crate trained. We bought a large multi-level crate, and have been crating him since he was a kitten. He's perfectly fine sleeping on his soft pad on the top shelf in the crate. I would highly recommend this for anyone who doesn't want an annoying cat.
AmazonBasics Large 3-Tier Cat Cage Playpen Box Crate Kennel - 36 x 22 x 51 Inches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CMY5Y1P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FsjmDb6Q5C1N9
He's got some toys hanging from the top of the crate, and the second shelf to entertain him. We put food and water in the bottom of the crate, and he usually doesn't need to use the litter box over night. Sometimes he meows a bit to tell us he needs to go, we let him go, then pop him back in and back to sleep. Thats very rare though.
When we tell people they seem very confused, I guess it's weird to crate train a cat. We lived in a small apartment when we got him and didn't want to worry about him getting into the wires for our electronics, etc while we were asleep. So it seemed like a logical solution.
Here is my setup. Lots of hair and dirt, but the seats look brand new when I take it all off. None of the hair ends up in the front seats either, even with the windows down.
First I lay down a large black towel on the seat and tuck in the edges. Then I have a black Formosa Cover that wraps down to the floor and around the ends of the seats. I tried a normal pet hammock before and it wasn't nearly as protective. I have fitted the hammock with some velcro on the seat ends so that they stay in place after many jumps in and out. I also have the floor end of the hammock tied with rubber twist ties around the seatbelt because my girlfriend's dog tries to crawl under it often and this stopped that.
The doors have Kurgo Door Guards with 3M non-slip grip surface added to the inside face of the door guard and black velvet added to the outside (glass) face for the tinted windows. I tried an adhesive door guard and it was junk.
Lastly the Solvit Pet Barrier keeps my girlfriend's dog from jumping over. I also found that it keeps pet hair out of the front so I have it up even when her dog isn't in the car. I do not tie it down as shown in the product page, as the pet hammock keeps it in place.
It's a kittywalk. Outdoor cat run.
https://www.amazon.com/Kittywalk-Outdoor-Enclosure-Patios-Balconies/dp/B0002ZAG52
NOW it's solved. Lol
Don't touch the door. Install something like this to the left or right of that door:
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Pet-Large-Electronic-PX-2/dp/B003SLTETG
If your dog isn’t small, you could add a cat hole on the bottom of the door. Here’s a link to one Cat hole
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AU64PK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1463969228&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=cat+arch+door&dpPl=1&dpID=51v2j9W9ogL&ref=plSrch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IX0IUE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
this one is 28" high which is an exact match with my cabinet. they have a lot of different sizes and configurations. you can also search for "hearth" gates. this isnt the heaviest of gates but the quality is pretty nice and i think will serve it's purpose. It will serve as more of a deterrent than a complete fix.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NH6NR0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418624000&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
That’s why I have these throughout my house https://www.amazon.com/Kitty-Pass-Interior-Hidden-Litter/dp/B017KXN7DG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’m always afraid some stupid guest will close the door to the litter box.
This will solve #2. I have something similar to this but less corny as it's just an arch. Looks good for a cat door, IMO.
Our lease states no grills, which is extra bullshit with a concrete building and metal balconies. They don't say anything about catios though!
Name: "Purrfect Portal Cat Door"
$25
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Interior-Template-Instructions-Purrfect-Portal/dp/B01LWV0VEC
I don’t use the top or front flaps because I have the pans in a closet (bought this https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Door-Original-Interior-Cleaning/dp/B000AU64PK) but I rinse and air dry the filters for my hand vacuum and roomba & that might work for you.
Well there are a few products out there. I do suggest reading reviews on amazon to decide which is best for your cat (some make noise, others are more flimsy, only include one 'key' etc)
Ani Mate "Ani Mate Electromagnetic Cat Door"
Cat Mate "Cat Mate Elite Super Selective Cat Door"
Cat Mate "Cat Mate Large Electromagnetic Cat Door"
Ideal Pet Products "Ideal "E Cat" Door"
Staywell/Petsafe "Staywell Magnetic 4 way Locking Cat Flap"
Cat Walk "Catwalk MultiMagnetic Cat Door"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAZZIMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_qZGqzb8MP4S1M this one is really reliable.
Here's the link if you want to buy one, $35. Easy to install if you have a jigsaw
https://smile.amazon.com/Kitty-Pass-Interior-Hidden-Litter/dp/B017KXN7DG
you could try a Door Buddy https://smile.amazon.com/Door-Buddy-Adjustable-Convenient-Installation/dp/B016QT678M/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1498165336&sr=1-1&keywords=door+buddy
I've seen electronic pet doors w RFID tags and electically operated doors, an electronic hobbyist be able to configure for activation by external relay input from HA pretty easily. Search for electronic pet door for more choices.
90lbs Doberman owner here. It can be done, it just takes a few dollars, and some practice with your dog.
I would suggest using something like Feliway (as mentioned) and/or restricting them to one room. Barring that, a kennel like this: Prevue Pet Products Premium/Deluxe Cat Home, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015RRSZXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sek2BbMS548E2
Is really what you would have to use, and you’re going to probably need 2 of them for 3 cats. I would not keep a cat in a dog kennel for an extended period of time (unless it’s for transportation or something else temporary).
Thank you for the heads up. I actually had this very same concern when I bought this PetSafe cat door for our basement door, as it has a rigid plastic flap. But I tested it thoroughly by backing my arm and my finger through it and was never able to hurt myself. None of the many reviews mentioned any injury concerns either.
That being said my DIY door is a little more solid and goes to a room they're more likely to get startled in so when I try redesigning the flap I'll look into finding a material with a little bit of give or maybe softening up the bottom. Thanks!
Interesting.
Came across this: https://www.amazon.com/Petnation-Indoor-Outdoor-36-Inch-Pounds/dp/B000YA9GRY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1488152816&sr=8-10&keywords=dog%2Bcar%2Bcrate&th=1
Leaning towards this right now.
Would something like this work?
> I'm leery of getting an outdoor cat who kills because they can start killing songbirds
You adopted the country life. Cats kill. That's what they do.
Adopt a cat from the local Animal Control agency and make sure to tell them you want a barn cat. Yes, it will mouse even if you feed it - unless you're unlucky and get a lazy or incompetent feline. Ideally though, it should reside there and find its own food.
If you want the cat to patrol inside and outside, there is great solution: a microchip-activated cat door. Only cats recognized by the door can unlock it. It can work one-way, or both. I've owned one for 3 years and it changed my life. Cats get in and out, can't leave the house once inside after a set hour (although it doesn't have to be programmed), and they do a great job mousing inside and outside. If you want a cat to come indoors - even part-time - you will need to feed it at least while you're there.
Now cats are a lottery. Some are great mousers, some are not. Adopted semi-feral cats can be the perfect solution to your program but might not come indoors at all. Some might leave for good, others will stick around.
Bottomline however is that one or several cats are your only solution.
It's this. I own two to herd my dog but let my cats through doors to get to their litter.
exactly what i'm looking for ... but would love to 'build my own' if anyone has any ideas on what needed. But thank you!
Here you go
Something like this will take care of the problem for you, a smart rfid cat door.
SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAZZIMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XFiVAb5NJ315S
Ben reste plus qu'à mettre une chatière à détection de puce.
http://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-CC10-050-11-Cat-Flap-Small/dp/B00061RIT4/
It was something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kittywalk-Outdoor-Enclosure-Patios-Balconies/dp/B0002ZAG52 . You also have the option of getting him a leash and taking him for supervised walks. Being an unsupervised outdoor cat is very dangerous for your cat.
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Oh when I mentioned pet leash I meant something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/BINGPET-Escape-Proof-Harness-Leash/dp/B07B49LNW9/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=cat+leash&qid=1572354265&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-4 . Never use your normal cat collar to attach a leash. Cat collars are breakaway collars and hence aren't suitable to attach a leash to.