Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip 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.
Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a way back should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent to harm them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face or limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. view it now of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.