Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap in a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it, so that they get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these may 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.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
If More methods installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. through wall cat flap of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. More methods will perform this for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.