Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is 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 in an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Measure cat flap in bifold doors or Window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they often need to be 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, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the door or window then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height 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. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this case you'll have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you require.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.