Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If possible this will also allow them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to put in the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you are fitting it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's important to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
If Repair My Windows And Doors installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. 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.