Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
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 the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's wide enough for them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. cat flap step are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case, you'll probably have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down 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 side of the flap to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can do themselves, although you may need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.