Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there for you.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a 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 a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
You can install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap on a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to insert the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Create 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. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this case, you'll probably have to install 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 that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. After through wall cat flap has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in using pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. 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 to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.