Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.

You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a check here simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be here letting in drafts.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes get more info for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass website with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've more info cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.