Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
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 stop 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 teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they be chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in the right cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your window or door
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. cat flap fitters of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In no title 's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Check out the directions included with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low 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 prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.