Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options there to choose from.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with proper instructions, it’s simple. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.

It’s possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it’s not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as what you’re fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat’s Belly

To install a cat flap that’s the right size for your pet, you’ll need to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window, and that it’s large enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

You can also consider your pet’s weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you’ll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Make sure you measure your window or door

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat’s flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it’s difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you’re skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It’s important to check that there aren’t any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It’s also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn’t authorized. They also keep your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There’s also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you’re fixing it to.

Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It won’t stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door, it’s time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line isn’t 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 reference. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door’s outline. When you’re happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

If you’re installing a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it’s likely you’ll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You’ll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you’ll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. cat flap installers near me Repair My Windows And Doors will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.

After you’ve marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable price If you’re not sure how to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door’s hole. You may have to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer section of the cat 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 works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.