Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have 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 system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat flap fitting how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens out into an area that is protected from 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 way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans intent on harming them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are Fitting A Cat Flap the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install the right cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.

A window cat flap is another popular location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. 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. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and have different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to 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 is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some fitting cat flap in upvc door panel flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.

Lastly, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in too.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly 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. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil along with 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 broken. In this case it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to identify the dimensions of the hole you have to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However should you wish to put it in the form of fitting a cat flap glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas that you'll need to drill with a pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.