Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or if you have kittens who need to be checked.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Choose 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 going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to harm them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. It's 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.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If cat flap installers weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
The name implies the cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Also consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against 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 your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may need to hire an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.