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Fitting a Cat Flap
Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap onto the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Repair My Windows And Doors is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

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

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

After you've chosen 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 isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.

If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll require.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

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

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.


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