Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be checked.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are 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 think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.
You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap onto the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter as it pleases. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions which provide extra security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be located high enough 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 then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. Always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize cat flap glass door installation near me to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given 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 should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.