People are discovering the purpose of tiny doors in old homes, which have unique historical uses and hidden functions.
What are tiny doors in old homes used for?
In recent years, many people have been discovering the surprising function behind the tiny doors found in some older homes.
People created these tiny entryways, often just about the height of a soda can, for a very specific and practical purpose.
Lately, one Reddit user shared a photo of a tiny door in their mother-in-law’s home in Denver, Colorado, sparking a lively discussion online.
While some joked that the doors might be for fairies or mice, others provided helpful explanations.
Tiny doors are pet doors
It turns out that someone designed these tiny doors to serve as pet doors, allowing cats to roam freely between rooms.
Surprisingly, this was a common feature in many early 20th-century homes.
Homeowners recognized the value of letting their cats patrol the premises.
This helped keep the mouse population under control.
One commenter explained that these “cat flaps” were about 4 inches by 4 inches.
They were intentionally installed to allow cats to move around the house as needed.
However, the relationship between humans and their pets has evolved over the years.
Cats used to be able to come and go as they pleased.
They are more advanced nowadays
Nowadays, many pet owners prefer to keep their furry friends safely indoors to protect them from outdoor dangers.
As a result, today’s pet doors are designed differently, often featuring electronic locks that sync with a pet’s collar.
Some have speculated that they might have had other purposes, such as providing access for cleaning.
They might also have been used as vents for old-fashioned gasoline-powered washing machines.
However, experts suggest that the cat door explanation is the most likely and widely accepted reason for their inclusion.
They are seemingly an American phenomenon.
Interestingly, these diminutive entryways seem to be a uniquely American phenomenon.
According to an Australian heritage expert, he has never encountered anything similar in homes across his country, where full basements were less common.
The expert theorizes that the tiny doors may have been more practical in American homes with extensive basement spaces.
As old homes undergo renovations, these quirky features are often preserved or even incorporated into modern designs.
Social media reaction
Many commented on how they had seen similar doors in old houses but never knew their function.
Some shared stories about their own pets using these doors.
Others posted pictures of the tiny ones they found in their homes.
It became a fun topic, with people enjoying the discovery and learning something new about the past.
Back in the day people used to have ferrets to kill mice in the house those are the entryways for them to move from one part of the house to the other, one user said.
I’ve seen one similar in an older cabin located in Gatlinburg, the second user commented.
For the cats of course, the third user insisted.
A cat door. They move through rather small holes, another shared.