Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
You can install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to install a cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If they are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install cat flap install
If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.