Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap in a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that 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, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll need.
After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with the pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.