Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the how 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 is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap into the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
upvc door panel with cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and come with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through too.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. 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 shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas in which you will must drill using pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.