Fitting A Cat Flap

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

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become 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 the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap (written by Hebian) is at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Measure Your Door or Window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a 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 won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap step flap on wooden or replacement upvc door panel with cat flap door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also cover the holes in your door or window cat flap and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with a 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 have to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto 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 place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.