Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options there for you.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
You can install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is installed at the right height on the door or window and that it is large enough for him to get in and leave easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If glass cat flap installation near me is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted have a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is 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, use a saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied 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 best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance you'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. This is a straightforward process that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.