Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose 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 going 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 train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to put the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. You should always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Also think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It's important to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
If cat flap installer near me installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If cat flap installers can, use an outline to help mark out the dimensions of the hole you have to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. fitting a cat flap will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you are concerned about doing this 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. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.