Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens to an area of protection in the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all 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, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to 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 fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. go to these guys will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas that you'll must drill using pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.