Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in 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 the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to install the right cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to put the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need 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 that is created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and have different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.
Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When cat flap in upvc door cost satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.