Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a 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.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for the 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 lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. cat flap in upvc door panel feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to install an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are 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. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to mark out the size of hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried 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 be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.