Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there for you.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat 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 an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them.
You can install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come 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 door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides a way for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use cat flap in bifold doors if possible to determine the size of hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. lowest price will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with the pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. You may have to seal it 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 together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.