Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending 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 or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap in a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Make sure fitting cat flap in upvc door panel measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. They are available in locking versions that provide additional security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
cat flap glass door installation near me is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Also think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the 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. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
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 instance, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to mark out the size of hole you will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.