Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens that need to be checked.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in 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 return inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them 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're installing the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they often 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 use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. 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 fixing it to.

Finally think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If  repairmywindowsanddoors  can, use an outline to help mark out the size of hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a saw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can move easily through it.