Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Window

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

Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap near a window or door that opens out into an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.

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

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs 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 utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to install an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.

The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. how much to install a cat flap or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

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

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill with the pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.