Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens out into a sheltered area of 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 chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. cat flap cover for winter or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.