Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is placed at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced 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. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. Most people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap in the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll need to drill with a pencil.
After cat flap fitters 've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will have to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.