Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap onto the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of window or door you want to attach it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
my response to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is 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 outline in the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas where you have to drill using pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.