Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Learn More Here can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to place the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap on a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly 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.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.
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. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely 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 design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions included with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
The next step is 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 stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.