Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.

It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall website is free of cables and pipes. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals more info to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of door or window you intend to install it on.

Lastly, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes here as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the here weathertight seal. In this case it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you may require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap cat flap fitters in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas that you'll have to drill using a pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.