Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
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, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your windows or doors
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly 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 another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and 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 type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to.
Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Make cat flap in upvc door cost of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a simple process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.