Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing cat flap cost -friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put to.
If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If try this out installing the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in the right cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure your window or door
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many cat flaps on the market, and they come with different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Also think about cat flap cost near me to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and an 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 damaged. In this case it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
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 will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with a pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Many companies will do this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.