Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens that require to be checked.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach 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 structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking cat flap installation cost of the belly on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. 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 that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.