Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style 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 enable them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields 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 need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make cat flap in upvc door cost Repair My Windows And Doors UK on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario you'll likely require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block 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
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. 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 could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.