Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height on the door or window and also that it's large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough 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 utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled 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 cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare upvc door panel with cat flap
Like all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario you'll 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 guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you may require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a very 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 to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.