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Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to harm them.

You can install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.

fitting a cat flap in a upvc door can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap


There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and they have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.

Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario, you'll probably have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark out the size hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

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

Start by looking at the instructions included with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll have to drill using a pencil.

After cat flap step have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.

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