Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. 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 for him to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. upvc door panel cat flap are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up 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 opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to put an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.
Also think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will must drill using a pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.