Need Carpentry Advice

[kjr928]

I have a cat door with a flap that I want to install into the door of my utility closet. I want to keep the cat litter in there but don't want to keep that door open all the time.

The problem is that the wooden doors are louvered with wooden slats running horizontally. So if I cut some of the slats, they will probably fall out or at least angle downwards where I cut them.

Any suggestions on how to tackle this without destroying anything?

 

[carolinyens]

Maybe you could try after cutting out the part of the slat you dont need, you could take another piece and place it under/over the ones that you cut. Use some very small screws to hold them in place but not too tight so they can still move. This is only an idea I dont know if this will work. Im thinking your best bet is to just get another door that doesnt cost too much and use that. Then in case you ever decide to sell your house you can put the other one back up.

 

[kjr928]

Yes, maybe that will work. Here is a drawing I made to further illustrate my point.

 

[bettabrat]

I'd take the whole section out and replace w/plywood and the cat door, and even it up to make it look visually appealing.