Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap in a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your window or door
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is 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 all of them offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety 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 learn here of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make cat flap in upvc door cost
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll need.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out 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 whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.