Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions which provide extra security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case you'll likely have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. cat flap installation of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using a pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.