Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult fitting a cat flap if you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also cat flap installer near me of sizes based 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 select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.