Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening there are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back door with cat flap fitted inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat flap installer-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.

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're fitting a cat flap the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to put in a cat flap insulation flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and out easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Take a measurement of your door or window

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 typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your home.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they have various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and a Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario you'll have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap 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

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using pencil.

Once you have marked 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 job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.