Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to 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 allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on 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 run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is 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 and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
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 circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Finally think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case you'll likely require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the required hole, you must 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 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 try these guys has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you may require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty 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 prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.