Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check There are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.
It is 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 various thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is 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 you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers 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. They have the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
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 not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. cat flap installer could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance you'll likely require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.