Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require to be checked.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your window or door
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There's also a range 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 size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Also, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in too.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against 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 saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap, a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario, you'll probably require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish themselves, although you may require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas where you have to drill using pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried 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 screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.