Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap in the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to enter 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 placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to install an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then there must be cat flap fitters near me made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Finally, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.

It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll likely have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill with a pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.