Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or 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 are available in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap onto the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or 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 how large opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
Like all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
If fitting a cat flap in a upvc door installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. 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 come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.