Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires extra security or if you have kittens who need to be checked.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used 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 the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are also different sizes that are available 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 is determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once upvc door panel with cat flap fitted are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this instance you'll have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will require a good understanding of a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
Then, screw cat flap fitting of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.