Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you 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 before you fit it, so that they get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you 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 be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high for 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 are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through 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 have various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If cat flap installers , you can use an example to mark out the size of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. fitting a cat flap should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places that you'll must drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.