Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they are chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden 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.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to 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 square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your 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 become damaged. In this scenario you'll need to fit an additional 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 that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near 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 the elements of wind and rain. Once www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is dry, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Begin by reading the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside 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 section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.