In my world, dogs live outside (where they’re protected by thick fur and blanket-lined kennels) but cats are indoor (that is, lie-on-your-feet) pets. When winter comes along, I try really hard to keep all that expensive heat inside, but still need to make allowance for the cats’ needs.

A regular cat flap wasn’t an option (the mandatory security gate hinders the potential flap area on the back door) but, since I have cottage-pane windows, I simply removed one of the panes in a convenient location, screwed a pair of small brass hinges to the wooden frame and used Pratley quickset clear glue to attach the other side of the hinges to a piece of 4 mm glass (with rounded edges), and voila! – a self-closing and totally inconspicuous cat flap that keeps the cold air out.

GAVIN KENNEDY - VIA E-MAIL

SEND US YOUR HINT – AND WIN Send us your best home, garage, workshop and general DIY hints – and win! Send your tips to: PM, Do It Your Way, Box 180, Howard Place 7450, or e-mail: popularmechanics@ramsaymedia.co.za. Please include your name, address and contact number. Regrettably, only South African residents are eligible for the prize. Prizes not claimed within 60 days will be forfeited.