Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.

You can install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to get used to its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will help you make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your window or door

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. They are available in locking versions that provide additional security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin.  cat flap fitting near me  is recommended to consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case you'll have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you have to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas 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 shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.