DIY Cat-flap

baby-mechanic

Hi folks

We've got a solid pitch pine panel door that we'll be using for our utility.

This is where our cats have their litter tray, and we want to be able to shut the door, but still allow them access.

My other half (she who must be obeyed) doesn't want a standard cat-flap, but I've suggested we look at seeing if we could hinge one of the lower panels, so that we maintain the look of the door, the cats can have their access, and the door can be put back to original as and when.

Is this something i could do - I've reasonable woodworking skills - or would it be easier to get a chippy in ?

bookduck

baby-mechanic wrote: »

...able to shut the door, but still allow them access. ....

There are cat flaps that only alow in cats that have the 'key' on their collar, keeping out strays and dogs.

baby-mechanic

Apologies

To clarify - us grown ups want to be able to shut the door, and it's an internal door

Be_Happy

Don't know if this is any help, but years ago when we lived in a rented house and couldn't fit a cat flap to the door, we kept the door open on a standard door chain. It allowed the cat to push the door open enough to squeeze out.

OK so it can cause a draft, but this may not matter on an internal door.

ukwoody

Firstly if it is genuine Pitch Pine, then sell the ruddy door for a fortune, because it's worth it's weight in gold at the moment;-)

The trouble with what you suggest, is that it would be almost impossible to re-instate the door in the future as you would have to cut the panel to create the flap. More importantly, this flap would be heavy, and if you think of this weight landing on the cats tail as it goes thru, I would imagine it would create bruising if not more on the tail as it drops - especially as the cat gets older.

woody

baby-mechanic

Thanks woody

How much would such a door be worth ?

Wasn't planning on using the wood removed, but replace with a lighter wood.

Grumps

ukwoody wrote: »

Firstly if it is genuine Pitch Pine, then sell the ruddy door for a fortune, because it's worth it's weight in gold at the moment;-)

My sentiments entirely. If it has to be done, then remove the door, strip the hardware and store it under a bed or somewhere. Then get yourself a cheapo from a DIY store and butcher that. There is no way that such a piece of furniture (which is what it is), could ever be re-engineered back to its former glory.

Cats, much as I love 'em, take second place to our architectural heritage.:p