Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are a lot of options there for you.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by a human intent on harming them.
You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they come with different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case you'll have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
Read the Full Write-up 'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.