Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to place the cat flap in a window or door that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If possible it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
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 a good fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access 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's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting through your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while 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 fixing it to.
Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, window cat flap will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in too.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use window cat flap to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this case, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.