Fitting A Cat Flap

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

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap in an opening or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting A Cat flap one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.

To avoid costly mistakes 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 onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

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 choose to install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

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

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These 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 gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap double glazing flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some 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 as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.

Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against 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 out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or upvc door panel cat flap door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of hole you'll need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your window cat flap or door and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. It's fitting a cat flap simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.