Wondering how to install a cat door without cutting your door? Maybe you’re a renter or pet parent looking for creative ways to install a cat door without permanently modifying or damaging your doors or walls. Either way, this post is for you! Check out 6 clever renter-friendly, temporary cat door solutions below that don’t require any tools or cutting.

Photo by mi_foto via Pixabay
Install A Cat Door Without Cutting Your Door
Yes – it can be done! Check out 3 internal and 3 external easy-to-install no-cut cat door alternatives below.
Internal No-Cut Cat Door Alternatives
For internal doors and openings where you’d like to restrict access but still allow the cat or cats to come and go as they please, check out the following renter-friendly cat door alternatives;
For use with: Internal doors
Opening size: Adjustable up to 8″
Installation: Attaches using 3M adhesives
The Door Buddy door strap system is a super-affordable, renter-friendly pet gate and cat door alternative that allows your cat access to rooms while keeping larger pets and small children out. Simply peel and stick to install, ready to use in seconds!
Key Features:
- Peel and stick installation
- Wide enough to allow cats through
- Keeps dogs and small children out
- Compatible with a variety of door types
- Stopper prevents door from closing
- Affordable pet gate alternative
- Made in the USA
For use with: Internal doors
Opening size: 4″ regular, 5″ XL
Installation: Hooks over the door handle
Similar to Door Buddy above, FlexLatch holds your door open wide enough to allow cats access while keeping larger pets and small children out. To install, simply place it over your door handle and insert the pin into your existing door latch. No tools or adhesives are required.
Key Features:
- Installs in seconds with zero damage
- Wide enough to allow cats through
- Keeps dogs and small children out
- Works with most door handles and knobs
- Regular and XL sizes available
- Designed and packed in the USA
- Affordable and portable
- Multiple colors available
For use with: Internal openings
Opening size: Small pet door measures 8″ x 8″
Installation: Pressure-mount
The Carlson Walk Through pet gate is a traditional pressure-mount pet/baby gate system with a small animal pet door built-in – making it perfect for cats while keeping larger animals and young children out!
Key Features:
- Pressure-mount for easy install
- Gentle on walls, no tools required
- Suits regular and extra wide openings (up to 36.5")
- Small animal pet door included
- Includes multiple lock features
- Durable and easy to store
External No-Cut Cat Door Alternatives
If you’d like your kitty to be able to access the big wide world without cutting a hole in your door, check out the following renter-friendly pet door inserts that turn your windows or sliding door into a convenient temporary cat door, with no tools or cutting required!
For use with: Sash windows
Opening size: Multiple flap sizes are available
Installation: Pressure-mount window insert
Perfect for windows that open vertically, the Ideal Pet Products Window Pet Door installs via pressure-mount into your existing window track. Available in a range of flap sizes and window widths, this product is easy to install and remove with no drilling or cutting required.
Key Features:
- Suitable for windows that open vertically
- Suits most aluminum sash window styles
- Adjustable width for a secure fit
- 4-way lock or locking slide included (depending on size)
- Foam bumper and vinyl draft-seals included
- Recommended for pets 2-25 lbs
- Multiple sizes available
- Durable construction
For use with: Horizontal sliding windows
Opening size: 5 ⅛” x 8 ¼” flap size
Installation: Spring-loaded pressure-mount
Suitable for horizontal sliding windows in a range of sizes, the Patio Pacific Inc. Cat Door horizontal sliding window insert installs easily in minutes into your existing window track via its spring-loaded, pressure-mount design with absolutely no tools or cutting required.
Key Features:
- Suitable for windows that open horizontally
- Adjustable height for a secure fit
- Suitable for cats and small dogs
- Security cover plate included
- Multiple sizes are available
- Durable construction
For use with: Sliding glass doors
Opening size: Multiple flap sizes available
Installation: Pressure mount
Easy to install and remove, the PetSafe Patio Pet door is perfect for apartments and rentals alike, simply insert the patio panel into your existing sliding door track and tighten to secure. The included latch kit makes it easy to lock your door once installed, too. No cutting required!
Key Features:
- Suitable for external sliding glass doors
- Easily install into your existing door track
- Pressure-mount design with no cutting required
- Latch kit allows you to lock your door once installed
- Permanent and temporary install options
- Security cover plate included
- Multiple sizes are available
- 3 colors to choose from
Pin for later:
