Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check there are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
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 enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.
It is possible to put an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose cat flap bifold doors that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
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 type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against 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. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.