Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Planning, cat flap installation in glass doors near me and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human who wants to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options which provide extra 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 are simple enough to put in, but they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to put the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.
Finally think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help mark out the size of the hole you need to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap in the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will must drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.