Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening there are a lot of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps , some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.

You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap in a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to put in 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 your cat flap is at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many cat flaps available on the market, and have different features. Some are equipped with security features 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. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you require.

After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with a pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.