Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.

It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry system. But, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large 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. Feel for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face, and legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. cat flap in bifold doors to check that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.

Choose from this source

There are many cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).

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 instance you'll likely need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Begin by studying the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with a pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.