Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
Based on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.
You can put the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to enter and exit 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 extra padding shields 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 at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're skilled 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 pipes and cables. If there are, then there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Also, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use Going Here -level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.
If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you'll have 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 provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to identify the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you may require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas in which you will have to drill using pencil.
After glass cat flap installation near me 've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable with a jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. 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 tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.