Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there for you.

It can be difficult for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.


It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

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

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and leave easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can 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 on the market and all of them offer various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.

Finally 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 won't stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

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

After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, cat flap cost near me should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in with pencil.

After cat flap installation in glass doors near me 've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will need to be comfortable using a saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.

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