Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. navigate to these guys come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not 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. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. If possible, you can use an example to mark out the size of hole you'll need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will 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 door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with a pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.