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Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

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 the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Take a measurement of your door or window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to put an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they have different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also cat flap fitting of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a 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 cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely require a new pane of toughened glass instead.


You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of hole you'll 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 will prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places that you'll have to drill using the pencil.

After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable with a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete 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 ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.

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