The Best Indoor Cat Gates For Rowdy Kittens
We all know cats love to roam their home as if they own it. However, sometimes they don’t know what’s best for them, and we, the blessed cat owners, need to step in with some tough love.
One way to keep them in their room is to use an indoor cat gate. These are designed to keep pets from entering certain areas of the house. While you’re here, you can check out the best cat doors to give your kitty more space to roam outside, and the best cat jungle gyms to give them something to do inside on a rainy day.
To help you find the right one for you and your cat, we’ve done some research. In our search, we found the top indoor cat gates in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Keep on reading if you’d like to learn more about them.
Top Pick Remi Indoor Cat Gate
Remi Indoor Cat Gate
$80.00
Best Indoor Cat Gates to Consider
Cats are jumpy, playful critters and can easily get past regular pet gates. To find the right one for you, you’ll want to factor in how high your cat can jump. If they’re not as springy, you might get away with a shorter gate. If your cat is on the older side, or on the heavier side, a shorter gate makes for an excellent option.
Of course, if you have a jumpy cat, then you’ll want an extra tall gate. Something at least 50 inches is preferable, but the taller, the better. Not only should the gate be tall enough, but the bars should also be wide enough and parallel to the walls. Also, it’s gridded like a fence, cats can easily use their claws to climb up the gate.
Another feature to consider is how easy it is to open the gate yourself. Some are designed for a more permanent solution, while others have one-handed latches that open with ease. It’s your home, too, after all, so you should have easy access to all parts of your house.
Finally, you’ll want to consider how the gate looks in the home. Some are designed more streamlined, while others are more about practicality. Generally speaking, they’ll come in neutral colors like black, white, or brown.
They’ll usually be made of plastic, but there are also wooden pet gates available. You may want to match it with your cat door for a sleek, coordinated aesthetic. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a cat gate that works for you and your fur babies.
Remi Indoor Cat Gate
One of the chief concerns with cat gates is that cats can simply jump over most pet gates. That’s why you’ll want a tall gate like this one. Since it’s 24 inches tall, this should deter most cats from attempting to leap over it. It might not stop the most nimble of cats, but with training, almost any feline can learn to use and respect it.
Not only is the gate tall enough to keep cats contained, but the bars are also thin enough to keep them from slipping through. We all know cats are practically made of liquid and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. With this one, they shall not pass. This cat gate is ideal for hallways and doorways. If you want to protect precious family and furniture, this cat gate is sure to help.
Remi Indoor Cat Gate
$80.00
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Simple opening mechanism
- Great for dogs and young children
- Stylish look
Cons:
- Some larger cats still can jump over it
Freestanding Cat Gate
Sometimes, we like to give our cat full reign of the house. Other times, we want to restrict access to certain areas. Enter the freestanding cat gate by Archie & Oscar. It’s perfect for keeping the dog in one room with the cat free to move about, or for restricting your kitty’s access to, say, where your baby is sleeping.
We like that the rubber feet keep the gate from scratching your floor, which is great news if you’ve got wooden boards or lino. Plus, the hinges offer 360-degree swivel, too, so you can place this cat gate wherever you need it with ease.
Freestanding Pet gate
$94.99
Pros:
- Rubber mounting feet
- 360-swivel hinges for easy placement
- Restricts access to desired areas
- Relatively affordable
- 24 inches tall
Cons:
- A bit short for many cats
Steel Pressure-Mounted Cat Gate
Cats are intelligent creatures — we all know this. Despite our best efforts, they can get past many cat gates. This extra tall gate, on the other hand, ought to give them a run for their money and prevent them from wreaking havoc around your house.
If security is what you’re after, this is one of the pressure-mounted gates on the market now. At about 30 inches tall, this gate is high enough to deter most cats from jumping over it. And the steel bars are slippery, so they can’t scale up them either. If you need a break from the zoomies, this is the perfect solution.
Steel Pressure-Mounted Pet Gate
$102.09
Pros:
- Practically impossible to get through
- Door swings in both directions
- Pressure-mounted, soft rubber feet
Cons:
- On the larger side
- A bit costly when at full price
Mypin Reinforced Cat Screen Door
Sometimes, a regular pet door just won’t cut it. If you want to maintain your home’s refined style, opt for a cat gate like this one from Tucker Murphy. This lets you restrict areas in your home without sacrificing aesthetics, with the decorative branch design adding heaps of style points to your space.
Close off spaces up to 50 inches with this one by using the angled panels, and with a 30-inch height, this cat gate should deter the most agile of felines.
Delgado Decorative Free Standing Pet Gate
$165.99
Pros:
- High style
- Sturdy design
- Fits gaps up to 50 inches
- Non-skid foam for stability
Cons:
- Not to everyone’s taste
Solid Oak Freestanding Cat Gate
Many pet gates are great for hallways and doorways, but not as much for wider areas. For those situations, we suggest turning to this Solid Oak Freestanding Cat Gate:
Let’s say you want to sequester your pets from the kitchen, for instance, or between a double-door entrance. With this extra-wide cat gate, it couldn’t be easier.
The best part about this gate is its flexibility. You can shape it however you like. And it’s super easy to move around the house for various uses. Since it’s lightweight, it’s also easy to pack up and store. This portable pet gate will certainly come in handy at your next pet parents’ get-together.
Oak Pet Gate
$74.99
Pros:
- Comes fully assembled
- Lots of colors available
- Arrange into any shape
- Wear-resistant
Cons:
- A bit large for storage
Best Materials for a Cat Gate
When it comes to choosing the best materials for a cat gate, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want a gate that is sturdy enough to withstand your cat’s scratching, jumping, and general shenanigans.
Metal gates are a popular choice for this reason, as they are strong and durable. However, if you’re looking for something a little more aesthetically pleasing, wood or plastic gates can also do the trick. Just be sure to choose a gate with a smooth surface that won’t snag your cat’s claws.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even opt for a gate with a mesh or wire design that allows for better visibility and airflow. No matter which material you choose, just remember to put your furry friends’ safety first. After all, your cats well-being is worth more than any fancy gate material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a cat gate?
For starters, it’s a great way to keep your furry friend safe and contained. Working similarly to baby gates, cat gates are wonderful when you’re trying to keep your cat away from the Christmas tree or prevent them from getting into the pantry, a cat gate can help. Plus, it’s a lot easier than trying to chase your cat around the house every time they get into mischief.
Let’s face it, cats are curious creatures who love to explore, so a cat gate can give them a safe space to do just that without getting into trouble. So go ahead, give your cat the gift of a cat gate. They’ll thank you for it (or maybe just ignore you, but either way, you’ll know they’re safe).
Do I need tools to install a cat gate?
Whether you’re a DIY pro or a total novice, installing a cat gate is a relatively simple process. The exact tools you’ll need will depend on the type of gate you choose.
Wall-mounted gates typically require screws and anchors to be installed directly into the wall, so you’ll need a drill, a level, and a screwdriver to get the job done. These gates are ideal for high-traffic areas where a more permanent solution is needed.
Pressure-mounted gates, on the other hand, use tension to stay in place and typically don’t require any tools for installation. These gates are great for temporary use or for areas where you don’t want to put holes in the walls.
Other types of cat gates include freestanding gates and retractable gates, both of which are easy to install and require no tools. Freestanding gates can be moved around as needed, while retractable gates are perfect for narrow openings and can be easily tucked away when not in use.
No matter which type of gate you choose, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to make sure the gate is installed securely to prevent your cat from escaping.
And, if all else fails, just call in a handy friend or hire a professional. After all, there’s no shame in admitting when you need a little help.
How can I train cats to not jump over a gate?
Keeping cats from jumping over a gate can be tough as they are quite nimble creatures. Even taller gates can be surmounted, but there are ways to prevent that.
You can use a cat deterrent spray that uses a citrus scent that keeps cats away. There are even motion-activated cat deterrents, although this might be a bit hard to implement indoors.
You can also use a spiked mat in front of the gate, which is uncomfortable to step on for cats but doesn’t hurt them.
Why use a cat gate?
There are plenty of uses for cat gates. You may want to restrict their access to certain areas like the kitchen, for example, while still retaining easy access yourself. Cat gates can also help you keep children and other pets separate. They’re especially great for keeping cats and dogs separated.
Generally speaking, these are used for safety and convenience. You can have better peace of mind knowing your cats won’t be knocking stuff off of countertops or destroying your favorite furniture.
Do I need tools to install a cat gate?
Almost all pet gates won’t require the use of tools. There may be some assembly, but everything will be included. At most, you may need to use a hex key (this hexagonal L-shaped tool is included with most furniture). The most work you’ll have to do is to set the width of the gate. This might be done with a latch system, for example.
Once the width is set, you’ll screw the rubber feet on the sides tight against the wall. With rubber feet to secure the gate, it stays firmly installed without scuffing up your wall.
Do indoor gates work for cats?
Indoor gates can be a totally effective way to keep cats contained to certain areas of your home. They are especially useful for keeping cats away from areas where they might cause damage or get into things they shouldn’t. However, it’s important to choose a gate that’s tall enough to prevent your cat from jumping over it, and sturdy enough to withstand their scratching and climbing.
Sounds like a tall order, right? Don’t worry: there are heaps of options on the market so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs. Additionally, some cats may be able to figure out how to open the gate, so it’s important to choose a gate with a secure locking mechanism. Luckily, most cat gates are built with this, but always check the specs just to be sure.
Can a cat jump a pet gate?
Well, that depends on the cat. Some cats are Olympic-level jumpers and can easily clear even the tallest pet gates, while others may not be as skilled. It’s important to choose a gate that is tall enough to prevent your cat from jumping over it, and to keep in mind that some cats may be able to climb or scratch their way over the gate. So, if you have a particularly athletic feline, you may need to get creative with your gate placement or choose a different method of containment.
How high should a cat gate be?
Again, the answer to this really depends on your cat. How agile are they? And how curious and persistent are they? For particularly lazy cats, elderly cats and kittens, a 25-inch cat gate may be sufficient. However, 30 to 35 inches is usually considered the safe zone for active and agile cats.
How do you use a cat gate?
Using a cat gate is a breeze, even for those of us who are not exactly DIY experts. First, choose a gate that is tall enough to prevent your cat from jumping over it and sturdy enough to withstand their scratching and climbing. Then, simply place the gate in the doorway or opening you want to block off and secure it in place. Voila! You now have a cat-proof barrier that will keep your furry friend safe and contained. Just be sure to choose a gate with a secure locking mechanism and to supervise your cat when they are near the gate to ensure they don’t try to escape over it.
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