The Tool Barn

Use sheet metal shears to cut through siding
Use sheet metal shears to cut through siding

Step 5:

The exterior of our installation is sheet metal.  Several 3/8" pilot holes were drilled in the center and metal shear snips used to make the rough cut.  The opening is approximately 1" less on all side from the desired hole. For vinyl siding, use a utility knife to enlarge the opening. For wood siding, use a jig saw.

Trim metal flush using RotoZip
Trim metal flush using RotoZip

Step 6:

Using the cutting wheel of a RotoZip, the opening in the sheet metal was enlarged to the full extent.  Be sure to use safety glasses/ goggles as this will send sparks flying over three feet!  You can use the cutting wheel to feather any sharp edges.

Align inside door unit
Align inside door unit

Step 7:

Align the inside door unit.  Shift left and right to make sure that the doors swing freely.  Shift up and down such that the door does not drag and also opens completely.

Doors swing in both directions
Doors swing in both directions

Step 8:

The door should swing freely in both directions.  Because of a very tight fit, we sanded the outer edge of the clear plastic door slightly to keep it from binding inside the wall.

Screw into wall using pan head screw
Screw into wall using pan head screw

Step 9:

The unit comes with through bolts and nuts, but were not long enough for this application.  Mark the hole for a screw and drill a small pilot hole. Then secure the frame into the wood work using pan head screws.

Outer door secured to sheet metal siding
Outer door secured to sheet metal siding

Step 10:

The outer door is secured to the sheet metal using pan head screws.  Drill a pilot hole first.

Walkout board extender
Walkout board extender

Step 11:

A walkout board may be needed for your cat to perch.


For more information on ordering a cat door, here are a few suggestions: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/sc_view.cfm?pCatId=44  http://www.jemarpet.com/catalog/ShowAcc/Staywell.html 
http://www.kittenkaboodle.com/Coming_and_Going4141.html http://www.properpet.com/cat_doors.htm http://www.moorepet.com/store/door.html

1 - 2

Related articles


Printer friendly page


E-mail this page to a friend