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

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

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 need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for 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 that may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. 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. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.

Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. In the end, you must 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 the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.


Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with a pencil.

After cat flap in upvc door panel have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.

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