Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can put a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but 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 for a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with an eraser 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 alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. composite door cat flap will stop future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. cat flap in upvc door panel can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.