Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require a thorough screening there are a lot of options there for you.

It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.

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

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. 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.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

If you're installing in a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If  cat flap installation in glass doors near me  are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.