Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require a thorough screening there are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.
If you're installing the flap inside glass doors, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a height where 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 built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof 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 different cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create 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 then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help determine the size of hole you'll have to cut.
After conversational tone made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.