Removing a catflap

[stealthwolf]

Our house has a catflap installed in a wooden door in the utility room. The previous owners had a cat (and so does the rest of the area it seems). It normally wouldn't bother us but we've had slugs in the utility room and I noticed slime trails on the wooden door emanating from the cat flap. I've had a close look and I don't think it's been sealed in properly.

If I remove the catflap, how do I deal with the remaining hole?
If I leave the catflap in place, how do I seal up the gaps so the slugs can't get in?

 

[foxhole]

Cat flap should lock shut, if not run a bead of sealant around, if removing then will require a panel either side to make good.

 

[misterhelpful]

What type of wooden door is it?

 

[stealthwolf]

Got round to looking at the door and catflap today. Here's the door without the catflap:

4 panel wooden door. With the catflap fitted, there's a lot of gaps around the catflap - probably too big for sealant (I'd have to layer it or something).

At some point in the future, the door will be replaced but that might not be for 1-2 years. I was thinking of some pieces of wood on either side, maybe just nailed in, and then varnish over to match.

What do you think? I'd be grateful for any advice.

 

[mattylad]

Yep, use screws not nails though.

If your sure your going to replace it, bevel the outside bit of wood so there is less to pry and ensure any screws are on the inside so it cannot be removed from outside.

Scumbags can get in through cat flaps, hard to believe but they do, they can stick wires through to get keys etc.