Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options there for you.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. through wall cat flap is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose upvc cat flap door panels or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. However, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in too.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become 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 need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.