Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there to choose from.
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.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat 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 a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing 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 the material you put to.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
A window is another 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 reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. cat flap installers to check that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
Contact cat flap installation to making any changes to a composite door. doors with cat flap could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to mark out the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions included with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll must drill using the pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.