Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, cat flap installer near me to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to situate the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If you can this will also allow them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions 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 frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Also think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height 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 of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you will likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. 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 have to drill using a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.