Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your window or door
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind 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.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Use cat flap installation to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this instance you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time 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. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.