Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that require to be vetted.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size 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 install is a perfect fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
Also think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to identify the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install window with cat flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions included with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will must drill using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however you'll need be comfortable with a jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.