Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with 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's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put 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 should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to harm them.
You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. upvc door panel with cat flap is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is at the correct height on the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your windows or doors
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Also think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance it's likely you'll have 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 directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas that you'll must drill using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.