Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by a human intent on harming them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap (check out this one from Mdwrite) the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to put in the right cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind 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. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they come with different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.

Finally think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or upvc door panel with cat flap doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to identify the size of hole you need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using a pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap cover for winter flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at fitting a cat flap in a upvc door reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.