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 additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing cat flap cover for winter can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Choose 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 and others with high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to insert the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Finally think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When cat flap cover for winter with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. Once cat flap step has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions included with the flap to locate the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.