Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to insert a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make Recommended Online site of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's important to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. If you can, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made 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 door or window and the back of the cat flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.