Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options out there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. 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.
Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
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're installing the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. cat flap installer can be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and they all offer various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Finally think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario you'll likely require an entirely 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 instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas that you'll must drill using a pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.