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 getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing over here can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to place the cat flap in a window or door that opens to an area of protection in the garden so your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent to harm them.
You can install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or 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 various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap into the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
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 flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding protects 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 require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to insert the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the house. i thought about this have insulation and weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the door or window then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand 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 provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go at will, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Look at i thought about this that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.