Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is 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 home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them to.
If you're installing the flap inside a glass door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they be familiar with 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 suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is placed 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 run your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter as it pleases. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. Always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your house.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. cat flap fitting are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once cat flap fitters with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself 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).
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.