Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted There are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, including 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 easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
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 installing the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Also consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case you'll likely have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require 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 come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark cat flap installers that you'll have to drill using pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to 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 may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked 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.