Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can put a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
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. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to put the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. Once replacement upvc door panel with cat flap is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However should you wish to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.