Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are plenty of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps 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 microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window cat flap however it's not as simple as fitting a Cat flap one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Measure your windows or doors

As the name suggests, this type of double glazing cat flap flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides a way for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are a variety of cat flap fitting flaps available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Finally think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario you'll need to fit a 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 provided by the manufacture. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.