Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to return inside if they are pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap in a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
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 choose to install is a perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Select web
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this instance it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can complete by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.