Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
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 fitting the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your house.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and come with various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Consult cat flap fitters before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install 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. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.