Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that require to be examined.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap inside a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking cat flap fitters near me of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they come with different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the size of hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. cat flap fitting near me is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.