Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as 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.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent on harming them.

You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.

If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door 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 your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding protects 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 how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to insert an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.

There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.

Also think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. cat flap install will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap 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 relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of a 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.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.