Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. If you can this will also allow them a route back in case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent on harming them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. It's because upvc cat flap door panels or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door 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 into 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.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Find a 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 circus skills.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flap in upvc Door cost flaps available on the market, and they have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to.

Also consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

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

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this instance you'll need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it on glass or upvc door panel with cat flap fitted type door, you might need an expert.

Check out the directions included with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will must drill using pencil.

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

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.