Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to situate the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent on harming them.
You can install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, 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 affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your window or door
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind 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.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult repairmywindowsanddoors before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely that you'll 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 with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you require.
After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the 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 that you'll have to drill using the pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.