Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should 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
To install the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window and that it is large enough for him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. 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 opens by gently pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use repairmywindowsanddoors -level to ensure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using a 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.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations 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 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 that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing 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 have to drill with a pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.