Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing window with cat flap in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.
You can put a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and also that it's large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight 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, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can do themselves, although you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into with a pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.