Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening, there are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
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 from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Take composite door cat flap of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
cat flap in upvc door panel is a common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Finally think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw 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 are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once cat flaps for french doors is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.