Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose double glazing cat flap or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
If you're installing the flap in a glass door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case you'll likely require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent 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 keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will require a good understanding of a jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to move easily through it.