Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option 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.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap near an opening or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can put a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
cat flap insulation is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help mark out the dimensions of the hole you will need to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using a saw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.