Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.
You can install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly errors 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 to a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are made 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 locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside 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 professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill with pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.