Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that require to be checked.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to train your cat 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 the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.
You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap into a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The 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 pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. upvc cat flap door panels is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.