If you’re looking for a solution for your litter box problem, knowing how to install a cat door might be the best option for you. If you need to hide your cat’s litter box in a closet or laundry room, cutting a cat door is simple and a great solution.

Follow our steps for how to cut a cat door on an interior door and never worry about your litter box again… until it’s time to scoop it.

Wondering how to handle your litter box? Here are our favorite DIY litter boxes!

How to install a cat door

Most interior doors are hollow core doors and are just panels. It’s very simple to cut through these.

If you have a solid wood door, you’ll need to use a little more force to cut through the door, but the steps for this cat door installation are the same.

Tools and supplies needed to install a cat door:

• Cat door installation kit for an interior door (this is the best cat door we could find for a hollow door)
• Jig saw
• Drill with 1/2″ drill bit
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Steps to install a cat door:

1. Remove the door from the hinges.
2. Using the template that comes with your cat door kit, trace the door and make sure it is at least 3″ from all door edges.
3. Drill all the way through the door into one corner of the tracing.
4. Use the jig saw to cut along your tracing, creating the hole for your door.
5. Insert the two sides of the cat door into the holes on each side of the door. Affix to the door using screws as directed.
6. Install the cat flap if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a cat door?

Pet doors are inexpensive to install. Most standard doors are under $20. You will also need a jigsaw. Here are some tips for getting inexpensive tools!

Is it easy to install a cat door?

Yes! Pet door kits come with templates that make it very easy to install. However, cutting your door is very permanent – you can’t un-cut it. Take your time and move slowly to avoid making any errors.

How do you install a cat door in a rental?

If you rent your home, you won’t want to cut your door. You will want to instead install a door like this one that is designed to go in a sliding glass door or a pet door that goes right in your window.

How can you install a cat door in a sliding glass door?

You will need a door like this one that is designed to go in a sliding glass door. It is a great temporary option, too, since no cutting is required.

What kind of cat door can you install in an exterior wall instead of a door?

This cat door goes in a wall instead of a door – just beware that it is pretty hard to patch and repair if you decide that you want to remove it.

What kind of pet door can I install on a screen door?

This pet flap was designed especially to be installed on screen doors!

What kind of pet door can I add to a window?

This pet door goes right in your window – no cutting or complicated installation necessary.

How do you install a cat door without a template?

If your cat door didn’t include a template, trace the inner edge of the sides of the door and cut that out. If you’re installing a cat door without an installation kit, you’ll need to cut a hole large enough for your cat and then finished off the edges to make them smooth for your cat.

What jigsaw blade should I use for a hollow door?

Use a standard jigsaw blade for cutting wood if you’re cutting a wood or hollow core door. If you’re installing in a metal door, make sure you use a metal-cutting blade.

What is the proper height for a cat door?

Your pet door will need to be sized for your particular pet.

1. Measure from the floor to the top of your pet’s shoulder blades when they are standing on all four legs. Add two inches to that.
2. Measure from the floor to the top of your pet’s elbow when they are standing on all four legs.
3. Subtract the second number from the first. This is the minimum height of door you need – from knee to shoulder, since they will bend and lift at the knee.
4. Measure your pet’s width at their widest spot. This is the minimum width door you need.

Look for a door that can accommodate the height and width that you calculated for your pet. Remember if you have a young pet to factor in what their full grown size will be.

What if my pet won’t use the flap?

If it’s an indoor opening, consider removing the flap and just having an open cat door. This is what we do and our cat has never had an issue with it.

You can also try coaxing your pet through with a treat or pushing their head gently through to give them the idea.

Any more questions?