Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap in an opening or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and what you fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing 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.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure cat flap double glazing or Window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to insert the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your house.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one option and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario, it's likely that you will need 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 a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help mark out the size of hole you need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go at will, installing a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in with the pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place 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 confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.