Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a 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.
Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that might 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 circus skills.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Also think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, 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 ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. cat flap cover for winter will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.