Cat flap door for cats and dog?

[tom87]

I have 3 cats that sleep outside in a shed and that I let in the house at times. With winter coming on, I'd like to put a cat flap door on the back house door to give them access to the house on cold nights/days. I also have a dog (30 lb Australian Shepherd 18” at the shoulder) which I’d like to let use same the flap. I don’t want to get two flaps.
Is there a commercial flap I could get that would be big enough for the dog but not cause a problem for the cats. I’m wondering if a large dog flap would be too heavy/cumbersome for a cat to want to push open with its head.
Thanks.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. Would one like this work?

PetSafe® Plastic Pet Door | dog Dog Doors & Gates | PetSmart

 

[tom87]

Thanks FeebysOwner. Another problem might be that the dog would need the bottom of the flap, when installed on the back door, to be high (I’m guessing a few inches above the floor) so she can step through easily but the cats would need the flap lower so they can step through easily.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Good point!! Would it be possible to add a small step on each side of the door that the cats could use to get in/out, but that the dog could easily walk over?

Edit: Or, Pet Doors for Cats or Dogs or Both | Should I Get a Cat Door?

 

[tom87]

Good idea - thanks. Or maybe put like a 2" wide ramp going up the middle that the cats could use and hopefully the dog's legs would just automatically go outside the ramp.But then again maybe not. As I look at the dog sitting here her front paws are a few inches apart but when she walks her front paws almost touch each other which of course means they'd touch a ramp going up the middle. Your idea seems better.

 

[neely]

This article on finding the right pet door for both cats and dogs to share might have some helpful info for you:
Pet Doors for Cats or Dogs or Both | Should I Get a Cat Door?

 

[tom87]

Thanks neely - a lot of good information.