Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge 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 that require to be vetted.
Installing cat flap installers could be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
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 need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary 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 top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.