Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap into a wooden door you must 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
In order to install the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you make sure that the flap is at the correct height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Measure your window or door
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. The flaps can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. You should always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. cat flap installation near me are weatherproof and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
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 select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and an Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down 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 rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.