Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, 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's a wide selection of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be 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-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. navigate here have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of window or door you want to attach it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. my explanation is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and a Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to identify the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. When 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 move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions included with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with a pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however you'll need be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.