Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by a human intent on harming them.

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

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to 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

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is at the right height for the door or window and also that it's large enough for him to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps available 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 friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Lastly, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure 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 broken. In this case you'll need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop 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 rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you may need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with pencil.

After you've marked the door's opening and you are ready to 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 jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.