Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge 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 you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps , some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. But, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap in an opening or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
You can install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put to.
If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of 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 your cat flap is at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him 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 padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
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 an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly 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.
A window is another popular place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size 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 size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your 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 the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If cat flap fitting can, use an example to identify the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.