Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside 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. If possible, this will also give them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to install the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure your window or door
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important 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. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your house.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw cat flap install of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this instance it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to mark out the size of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill using the pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however you'll need be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.