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 could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps can be locked that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario you'll likely have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. cat flap installer will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.