Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to get in and out easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to insert a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help determine the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil.
Once cat flap installation cost have marked out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need 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, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can move easily through it.