Cutting door for catflap

[dagoof]

I have a solid wood exterior back door - as can be see there's lower panels that are removable.

I'd like to install a catflap, however, the hole circumference is a little larger than the removable panel. Any advice on doing this? Not sure if I can just jigsaw away or if any precautions/sealing is required afterwards.

Thanks

 

[Doggit]

If you've got a jigsaw with a fine cut blade, then mark the area to cut, drill a pilot hole and go carefully through panel, and the wood. Have you decided on the best position for the catflap, as you'll need to fill in the difference in the gap from the thickness of the two materials.

 

[dagoof]

Hi Doggit,

Not sure on position yet, I'd probably fill any thickness difference with clear silicone, it was really to check it's ok to take a little bit out of the transom/s and if any type of end grain sealer would be required.

 

[Doggit]

You could just put a thin seal of the sealant, on the cut wood; but how much would you be cutting out of the transoms.

 

[dagoof]

Not much, probably arc in an inch or so at highest point.

 

[Doggit]

As long as you're not cutting into the transoms too much, then you should be fine. An inch or so off of both wouldn't ruin their strength, bearing in mind that the higher you site it, the cat may struggle more to get through. Best of luck.

 

[foxhole]

If there is food inside most cats could make it thru a flap in the top of the door.
My mother in laws cat regularly used the louvre window in the top of the kitchen window, 7ft up , he used his body weight to open it when he found it closed.

 

[dagoof]

Yes, it'll be no trouble at this height.