Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in 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 it will also provide them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can put a cat flap in 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 and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them 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 on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety 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 at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your window or door
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. 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. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline of the door. When Repair My Windows And Doors are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this instance, 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 the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help determine the size of hole you'll need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.