Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap in a window or door that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and have different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this instance you'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around at will, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, attach the outer part of the door to 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. cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.