Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Should you get a cat gate?

By

If you have a mischievous cat who likes to get into things they shouldn’t, are introducing a new pet into the home, or just want to give your cat some space of their own, a cat gate could be the solution to these and dozens of other situations. Using a cat gate indoors can increase the safety and the versatility of your home, helping to keep your cat healthy and happy. While gates are often used for dogs, they also play an important role for cats, too.

Orange cat looking through the holes of a gate
Mae_Chaba/Shutterstock

Reasons to get a cat gate

You can put a cat gate to use in your home in many different ways. A gate can help to keep your cat out of an area that’s dangerous or that you don’t want them in. It is recommended when you are kitten proofing your home. By putting a gate in a doorway, you can leave a door open for ventilation, heat circulation, or just to keep the spaces feeling more connected. A gate can also be a practical solution for areas where you don’t have a door to close, and many pet owners put pet gates around Christmas trees, fireplaces, and other heating elements.

Recommended Videos

Gates also play important roles in helping to separate your furry family animals. Using a pet gate can give your cat some space in the home exclusively, so they can retreat away from the family dog when some quiet time is needed. Installing pet gates in doorways can allow a new pet to meet your current pets with a safe barrier between them. This setup can make for safer and more gradual introductions.

Pros and cons of cat gates

Cat gates definitely have their advantages and disadvantages. With any gate, you’re creating a barrier in your home that you’ll need to navigate. Many gates now come equipped with swinging doors, so you can step through them, rather than over them. Still, these doors will require that you have a free hand to open them. If you have small children in the home, a parent will need to be available to open the gate each time they pass through. This can also be a benefit, though, since it can potentially help to keep kids out of areas, too.

If you’re using a gate to prevent a dog from accessing your cat’s space, then a single gate in a doorway may be all you’ll need. But cats have the advantage of being able to jump and climb, and that can pose a challenge with gates that are only a few feet tall. Depending on your cat’s athleticism and determination, he may jump right over a gate, meaning that you have to install multiple gates vertically in a doorway to truly keep your cat out of an area.

Cat gates will also have a visual impact on your home. Some homeowners don’t think they’re aesthetically pleasing, but there are also beautiful wooden gates available that coordinate with many home-decor schemes.

Choosing the right cat gate

When choosing a cat gate for your home, consider factors like:

  • Whether you need to prevent your cat from climbing or jumping over the gate
  • Whether the gate is in an area you frequently pass through, and if a gate with a door within it would be helpful
  • The size of the space that you need the gate to fit, as well as the desired gate height
  • The overall aesthetic that you want the gate to have
  • The type of installation you desire
  • The size of other pets in your home and the strength that a gate will need to have
  • Whether you want the gate to be made of any certain materials, like eco-friendly bamboo

It’s also important to consider how you’ll be using the gate. Freestanding gates can be used to surround and block off smaller objects or areas. They also don’t require any sort of installation. These types of gates are easily portable, but they won’t provide the type of secure barrier that could keep an excited dog or a small child from being able to get through a doorway or into a stairwell. If you’re looking for a cat gate for stairs, a sturdy gate that mounts into a doorframe will be a better bet.

There are many factors to think about when choosing a cat gate for your home. By carefully planning your purchase and considering the different ways you might use the gate, both now and in the future, you can ensure that you buy the gate that’s right for your needs — and that’s right for your cat, too.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Why do cats roll in dirt? 10 reasons for their dust bath
Why your kitty does this (and what to do)
Orange cat near water

Cats are famous for being tidy little creatures. They meticulously groom their fur, giving themselves tongue baths daily. Indoor or indoor/outdoor cats take pride in using their litter boxes. Given their noble commitment to top-notch hygiene, you may assume your feline friend would avoid dirt at all costs. Yet, you may peer out the window one day and be surprised to see your kitty rolling around in the dirt — and looking happy as a pig while doing so.

Cats love throwing us for loops almost as much as they love grooming themselves, don't they? That question was rhetorical. This one is not: Why do cats roll in dirt? There are several reasons why your cat may be taking a dust bath, ranging from "just for fun" to an attempt to boost digestive health (seriously). Here's the dirty truth about why your cat rolled in dirt.
Why do cats roll in dirt?

Read more
Why do cats cover their face when they sleep? This adorable behavior, explained
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of feline sleepiness and discomfort
A white cat sleeps with a paw in front of their face

If you ever notice your cat sleeping in an especially cute or odd-looking position, you're not the only one. Most cats get comfy in unique ways -- whether curled up on top of a laptop or stretched out on their back like a dog -- but some feline sleeping positions are more difficult to understand than others.
For example, why do cats cover their face when they sleep? There are several noteworthy reasons, though it's up to you to decipher which reason applies to your kitty. The good news is that none of these reasons are cause for worry unless, of course, there are other unusual behaviors or symptoms present. If this is the case, please consult your cat's veterinarian instead!
If sleeping with their paws covering their face is all your feline friend is doing, all you need to do is keep an eye on them. If there is a minor problem going on, like seasonal allergies, you'll be able to notice and help your cat sooner rather than later.

Sense of security and comfort

Read more
Is your cat obese? 5 ways to help them slim down
Obesity left unchecked can lead to health problems
An obese tabby cat perched on a red wooden table

World Pet Obesity Week is in the fall, so it's the purrfect chance to get your kitty on a diet to slim down in time. According to a survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), roughly 61% of cats and 59% of dogs in the U.S. alone are overweight or obese. While few things are more adorable than a chunky cat, obesity in cats comes with a multitude of health risks.

Have you been wondering if your cat needs to lose a few pounds? We're here to share how you can tell if your cat is obese, the potential health problems caused by cat obesity, and five helpful things you can do to help them lose weight. 
What causes obesity in cats?

Read more