Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip 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 fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's wide 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, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with an open 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.
A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
cat flap cover for winter can be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as 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 begin. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the house. Some seals are weatherproof 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 choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill 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 task however you'll need be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
fitting a cat flap in a upvc door is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.