How to Build a Pet Door for a Fat Cat

One thing you may do, as a pet owner of a fat cat, is to open and close the door for them when they want out of, or into, the house. This can be distracting if you are trying to accomplish other tasks or are sleeping. To solve this problem, you can build a pet door for your fat cat. One of the most convenient spots for the pet door is the same door where you let your cat out or in each day.

Things You'll Need

  • Thick cardboard
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Knife
  • Safety goggles
  • Jigsaw
  • Drill and drill bit
  • Screwdriver drill bit
  • Level
  • Stool or cushion
  • Door kit
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the size needed for the opening of the pet door for your fat cat. Use the tape measure to find the height by measuring from the cats shoulders to the underside of the belly. Use the tape measure to find the width by measuring across the cats back between the shoulder blades and then adding two inches to this number.

    • 2

      Lay the cardboard out on a table. Draw the measurements onto the cardboard forming the side and top of the cutout. Draw in the other two sides with the straight edge. Cut out the square and throw out the cut out piece. The hole created in the cardboard is the size of your fat cat door. Stand up the template to represent the door and have your cat step through the hole. If your cat can't fit through it, then you can alter your measurements and create a new template.

    • 3

      Use the measuring tape to measure the width of the door in which you are installing the pet door. Using the width will allow you to know there is enough room when you install the pet door. Using the width of the door allows you to center the pet door for installation.

    • 4

      Take the template and the door measurements with you when you buy the pet door for your cat. This will ensure you have the right size door. Get a door with a slightly larger opening, if possible, so the cat doesn't get stuck while using the door.

    • 5

      Gather together the template, the pet door, the tools, safety goggles and either comfortable padding to kneel on or a stool to sit on. Make sure you are comfortable when working, as the next steps take time.

    • 6

      Measure up from the bottom of the door four inches. Mark the spot. Put a lower corner of the template at this spot. Line up the template to the top of the pencil mark. Make another mark at the top of the template on the same side. Repeat this process for all four sides.

    • 7

      Use the level and the pencil to draw a line between the two top markings. Do the same for the bottom two markings. Make sure the level is square when you do these.

      Set the level sideways between a top and bottom mark and draw another line, making sure the level is square. Do the same for the opposite side. You should now have four even sides.

    • 8

      Drill starter holes in each corner of the square. These holes will be where you start the cut with the jigsaw. Insert the jigsaw blade into a hole and cut along the outside of the line, as this ensures the door will fit. Do this for all four sides. Push the center out when you finish cutting.

    • 9

      Open the door where the pet door is being installed. Place a side of the pet door on each side of the door with the opening. Make sure both sides are snug and match up with each other. Place strips of wood or Styrofoam between the pet door and the entrance door to get a good fit, if needed, and to add insulation.

    • 10

      Line up the pre-drilled holes in the corners of the pet door frame. Drill the screws into the frame that came with the kit. This completes the assembly of the pet door for your fat cat.