Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. 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 another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put to.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Measure 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. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. window with cat flap are able to be easily installed, however they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow cat flap fitters near me given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.