Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the window or door, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your house.
Select cat flap cover for winter
There are many cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to identify the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas where you must drill using pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this 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 to the hole of your door. You may have to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.