Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be checked.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to return inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. cat flap installation can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm 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 a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions which provide extra security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After 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 go and come at will, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this 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. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.