Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap in an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to return inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll need.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you may need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap . There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.