Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. upvc door panel with cat flap will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
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 lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to put an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
Like any DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this scenario you'll likely have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. 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 an expert.
Take cat flap bifold doors at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.