Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there for you.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps , including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. But, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to return inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. You should always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
cat flap install to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, cat flap install will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with a pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.