Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be checked.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you 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. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If cat flap double glazing fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals 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 with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
Check with cat flap installer near me to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.