Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose 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 leaving or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure cat flap cost 's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding protects 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 how large opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts in too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will do this for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto 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 can be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.