Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check There are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. But, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap , based on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
You can put the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing cat flap fitting or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance you'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you need.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with a pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.