Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening, there are plenty of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending 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 safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect 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 need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. They can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of window or door you are fitting it to.
More methods but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. If possible, use an example to determine the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out 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. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Then, attach see this website of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.