Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides a way for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and have different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety 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 will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. cat flap cost near me 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 be letting draughts in too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help mark out the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the 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 on the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it 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 waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.