Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.

It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, 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 get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your door or window

The name implies the cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some 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 frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. Always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

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

There's also a range of sizes, 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 choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Lastly think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.

Consult cat flap step before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can do 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.

Begin by reading the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.
cat flap step