How to Install Catwalk Cat Doors

If you are tired of having to let your cat in and out, installing a Catwalk cat door is a good solution. It is not too difficult for the average handyman or woman and will only take a few minutes. Catwalk cat doors are similar to electromagnetic doors, because cats are required to wear special magnetic collars that allows them entry. However, Catwalk cat doors do not require any electrical source, which eliminates problems associated with electromagnetic doors when batteries or power fails.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Catwalk Cat Door
• Electromagnetic Cat Door
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Piece of Cardboard
• Level
• Drill
• 1/2" and 3/8" Drill Bits
• Safety Goggles
• Jigsaw or Key Hole Saw
• Masking or Scotch Tape
• Duct Tape

1. Make sure a Catwalk door will fit your cat. The opening is 6 inches x 6-3/4 inches. An easy way to test is to draw this opening on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. Then, see if you can encourage your cat to walk through the opening.

2. Make sure you have a place to install the door before purchasing the cat door. Catwalk cat doors are made to fit external wooden doors or wall panels that are 5/8 inches to 2-1/4 inches wide.

3. 
    
   Catwalk Cat Doors

   Purchase a Catwalk cat door. They are readily available online or at your local pet store.

4. Tape the template to the door so that the bottom of the cat door is at the same height as your cat's abdomen. Check that the template is straight with a level.

5. Trace the template with a pencil and mark the screw holes. Make four X's on the inside corner of the outline and remove the template.

6. Drill holes in the middle of each X using a 1/2" drill bit. Make sure the holes are inside the outline. Then, drill the screw holes using the bit size recommended in the cat door directions.

7. Using a jigsaw or keyhole saw, cut along your outline from hole to hole. Place a piece of duct tape across each cut to help secure the piece until all four cuts have been made. When you are finished, remove the duct tape and the center piece.

8. Assemble the door. Make sure the side of the door with the lock is on the inside. Insert screws though the inside frame, the door, and then the outside frame before tightening.

9. Place magnetic collar on your cat and train it to use the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people prefer to remove the door from its hinges when installing.
• Always wear safety gear when using power tools.

Resources

• Official Site of Catwalk Cat Doors
• How to Train Cat to Enter Cat Door

[angeldog]

on 11/9/2008 These are the best doors ever. Thanks for your great article-there are no easier cat doors to install.