Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door 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 can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure 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 reference. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However should upvc door panel with cat flap fitted wish to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas that you'll have to drill using a pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.