Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. composite door cat flap feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. through wall cat flap can be locked that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. upvc door panel cat flap is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using a jigsaw, 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 make holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
As with any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.
After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap in the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll have to drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.