Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted There are a lot of options there for you.
Installing cat flap in bifold doors could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your window or door
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
A window is another popular place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the appropriate tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this case it's likely 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 on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.