Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options there for you.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to return inside if they are pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to install the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to enter or leave whenever it wants. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to insert a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult back door with cat flap fitted if you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right 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, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and a jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to identify the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might 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 part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.