Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height on the window or door, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. investigate this site 's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your house.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in too.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door using a 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 template for the cat flap. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap 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 come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will must drill using pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however you'll need be comfortable with a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.