Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted There are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It's possible to install the cat-flap on a replacement upvc door panel with cat flap or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite door cat flap doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Measure your window or door

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides the pet with a way to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or upvc door panel with cat flap fitted doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to put it in the form of a glass or replacement upvc door panels with cat flap type door, you might need an expert.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will have to drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how much to install a cat flap to tackle it yourself.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.