Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with 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 system. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is 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 replacement upvc door panel with cat flap , lay 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 legs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
The name implies, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance, you'll probably require an additional 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 and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions included with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.