Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be checked.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flap insulation flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because upvc door panels cat flap and composite door cat flap doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat flap fitters with it prior to fitting a cat flap it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. 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 get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

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

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks 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 the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

Also, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in too.

It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

Check with 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, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.

After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.