Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge 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 there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it, so that they get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. internet site to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. Always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while 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 installing it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It is essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario it's likely that 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 with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. Once cat flap insulation is dry, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.