Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or you have kittens that require to be examined.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.

You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, cat flap which affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat flap installation's belly measurement

In order to install the right cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the correct height on the window with cat flap or door, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening 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 feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and cat flap the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

As with any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, 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 be damaged. In this case you'll likely require a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you require.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. 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 it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to do it yourself.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap install flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.