Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for 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 best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is placed at the correct height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they have various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind 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 will come with. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes since this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas that you'll have to drill using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If Click In this article worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.