Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If you can this will also allow them a way back should they get chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
You can put an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
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 in an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is at the right height for the door or window and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, 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. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are learn more of cat flaps on the market, and all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill with a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.