Installing

a

cat

flap

for

a

house

wall:

A

comprehensive

guide

Imagine if your cat could decide for itself when to go outside and when to stay at home. But how can you achieve such comfort without constantly having to open the door or wasting energy on a poorly insulated cat flap?
The solution is to install a cat flap in the house wall, which offers your four-legged friend freedom without compromising the energy efficiency of your home.

In this guide, you will learn everything about choosing, installing and maintaining a cat flap for the house wall so that you and your house cat can enjoy it for a long time.

Why a cat flap in the house wall makes sense

A cat flap in the house wall makes sense because it allows your furry friend to be independent . Instead of waiting for you to open the door, your cat can decide for itself when it is time for an outdoor adventure or when it would rather stay warm. Here are a few reasons why a cat flap in the house wall is beneficial:

• Freedom and independence for the cat
• No annoying interruptions for you
• Energy efficiency , as there are no constantly open doors allowing heat to escape

Before you decide to install it, you should consider a few important points. For example, where the flap is best placed so that your cat can leave the house safely and without fear . The height of the flap is also important so that your cat can use it easily and safely . Also consider the option of choosing a cat flap with a microchip , which prevents strange animals from entering your home.

Choosing the right cat flap for your house wall

Choosing the right cat flap for your house wall is crucial for your cat's comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. You should choose a flap that is specifically designed for walls , as these are usually better insulated and therefore protect against heat loss. They also often offer greater weather resistance and are more robustly built, making them ideal for installation in an external wall.

When making your selection, you should consider the following points:

• Size and breed of your cat - larger cats need a larger flap
• Frame material - Aluminum frames are durable and weather resistant
• Type of flap - some models offer additional features such as microchip recognition or 4-way locks

It's also important to choose a flap with a good locking system so it doesn't stay open all the time and let drafts into the house. Models with magnetic or rubber seals offer additional protection from the elements and can help keep energy costs down. Make sure the flap is easy to use so your cat can use it without difficulty.

Planning and Preparation: What you should know before installation

Before you start installing a cat flap in the wall of your house, thorough planning and preparation is crucial. First, you should choose the location carefully. The flap should be installed in a protected area so that your cat feels safe when entering and exiting. Also consider whether there is enough space for the flap near the chosen location and whether it is easily accessible for your cat.

The height of the cat flap is another important aspect to consider. Measure the distance from your cat's belly to the floor, as this is the ideal height for installation. If the flap needs to be installed higher, consider adding steps or a small ramp so that your cat can get in and out easily . It is also important that all surfaces to which the flap is attached are clean and smooth so that the attachment will hold.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a cat flap in the wall

Installing a cat flap in the wall starts with preparing the tools and materials . You will need a pencil, a tape measure, a saw or drill, and the cat flap kit. Make sure you also have fine sandpaper and possibly sealing material to hand to seal the flap later.

Next, mark the position of the cat flap on the wall. Use the tape measure to measure the height of your cat's belly from the floor and transfer this to the wall. Draw the outline of the flap on the wall according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the opening is large enough and in a place that your cat can easily reach.

Now comes the part where you open the wall. First, drill a hole in each corner of the marked area. Then carefully saw or cut along the lines to create the opening for the cat flap. You should:

• Wear safety equipment such as gloves and safety glasses
• Work slowly and precisely to avoid damaging the wall
• Smooth the edges after the opening has been sawn

Finally, insert the cat flap into the opening and fasten it according to the instructions. Make sure that the flap is firmly and securely in place. Use the sandpaper to smooth out any sharp edges and seal the flap with sealing material to prevent drafts and water. Now your cat can use its new door and you can enjoy energy-efficient and comfortable access for your four-legged friend.

Burglary protection: How to keep your home protected

A key aspect of installing a cat flap is burglar resistance . To protect your home, consider an electronically controlled flap that is only accessible to your cat via its microchip or a special RFID tag on its collar. In addition, you can take the following measures:

• A warning sign saying "Beware of Dogs" can deter potential burglars.
• Install the flap in an inconspicuous place so that it is not immediately visible.

Also make sure that the cat flap is the right size. A flap that is too big could be tempting for burglars. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right size:

• Measure your cat's dimensions and make sure the flap is only slightly larger.
• Use heavy, lockable lids to secure the hatch at night or when you are not home. When choosing a flap, it is important to pay attention to quality and safety features so that you and your cat can have peace of mind.

Ensure weather resistance and insulation of the cat flap

There are a few things you can do to make your cat flap weatherproof and prevent heat loss. One option is to use a cover that is specifically designed to insulate the flap and keep cold air out in winter. Additionally, you should make sure that the flap has high-quality seals that protect the flap from wind and weather. Here are a few tips for better weatherproofing and insulation:

• Choose double silicone seals to improve airtightness
• Use materials with low thermal conductivity for the frame and cover

Another important component is the insulation of the cat flap. Models made from highly insulating material such as polyurethane foam not only offer good insulation, but are also durable and do not warp when temperatures fluctuate. Make sure that the flap has a high sealing class to ensure that no drafts occur. The following points are crucial here:

• Check the thermal insulation properties of the material
• Select airtight closure mechanisms to minimize heat loss

Cat flap in a passive house: What to consider

Passive houses are known for their energy efficiency , which presents particular challenges when installing a cat flap. The flap must be airtight and should not compromise the high insulation standards of a passive house. It is advisable to choose models that have been specifically developed for passive houses and have passed the necessary tests .

When choosing a cat flap for a passive house, you should pay attention to the following features:

• Automatic opening mechanisms that respond to motion detectors or RFID chips
• Secure locking systems that can be integrated into the home alarm system
• Extra insulation options for frame and flap to avoid heat loss

In addition, it is important that the cat flap is visually appealing and fits well into the overall look of the house. Many manufacturers offer customizable covers that are available in different colors and finishes to ensure harmonious integration . This way, the aesthetic appearance of your passive house remains undisturbed while your cat enjoys its freedom.

Legal: Is the installation of a cat flap a structural change?

Installing a cat flap in a house wall can legally be considered a structural change . This means that you may need permission before you start the installation. Especially if you live in a rental property , you should first get your landlord's consent. If you own your own property , you may need the consent of the homeowners association if the change affects the external appearance of the house or load-bearing walls are affected.

You should also check whether building regulations apply to your house wall. In some regions it may be necessary to apply for a building permit , especially if it is a listed building area or a protected residential complex . Find out from your local building authority which regulations apply in your case to avoid unpleasant surprises and possible fines.

Care and maintenance of your cat flap

Regular maintenance of your cat flap is essential to ensure its longevity and functionality. It is important that you keep the flap clean and regularly check that all parts are working smoothly . Here are a few simple tips to keep your cat flap in good condition:

• Clean the flap at least once a month with a damp cloth.
• Check the seals and locking mechanisms for wear or damage.
• Make sure that no foreign objects block the movement of the flap.

In addition to cleaning, maintaining the technical components is also important, especially if you have an electronic cat flap with a microchip. This includes:

• Changing the batteries regularly to ensure that the flap works at all times.
• Updating the software , if recommended by the manufacturer, to take advantage of the latest features.
• Testing the sensors and chips to make sure the flap is only accessible to your cat.

Smart cat flap from Flappie: comfort meets safety

The intelligent cat flap from Flappie not only offers comfort for your cat , but also security for your home . Thanks to the innovative technology, you no longer have to worry about your cat bringing unwanted prey into the house. The flap uses a camera and artificial intelligence to detect whether your cat has something in its mouth and, if so, refuses entry.
Flappie makes everyday life much easier for cat owners. You receive notifications via the associated app when your cat tries to come home with prey, and you can easily manage settings and access rights from your smartphone. The app also offers the option of receiving photos and videos of your cat, which gives you an exciting insight into its life outside the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cat flap a structural change?

Yes, installing a cat flap can legally be considered a structural change. You should get your landlord's consent, especially if you live in a rental property. If you own your own property, you may need to get the consent of the homeowners' association. You should also check with your local building authority whether building regulations or a building permit are necessary.

Which cat flap for passive house?

For a passive house, you should choose a cat flap that is airtight and does not compromise the high insulation standards of a passive house. It is advisable to choose models that have been specifically designed for passive houses and have passed appropriate tests. Look for automatic opening mechanisms, secure locking systems and extra insulation options for the frame and flap.

How burglar-proof is a cat flap?

To increase burglary security, consider an electronically controlled cat flap that is only accessible to your cat through its microchip or a special RFID tag on its collar. It is also advisable to install the flap in an inconspicuous place and ensure that the size of the flap is appropriate so as not to entice burglars. Additionally, heavy, lockable lids can be used to secure the flap at night or when you are not at home.

Where is the best place to install a cat flap?

The cat flap should be installed in a protected area so that your cat feels safe when entering and exiting. There should also be enough space near the chosen location for the flap and it should be easily accessible for your cat. The height of the cat flap should be chosen so that it can be used easily and safely by your cat, using the distance from your cat's belly to the floor as the ideal height for installation.