Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing cat flaps for french doors in your home is a great 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 who need to be vetted.

It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.

It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it, so that they be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle 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, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.


A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser 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 as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. This is a simple process that most people can complete themselves, although you'll likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using a pencil.

After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.

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