Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat 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 allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by a cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap into an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your window or door
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. Always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, 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 think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
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 ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go at will, installing a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with pencil.
After cat flap in bifold doors have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable using 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 of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part 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 make sure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.