Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to harm them.
You can put an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the material you put to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap into a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If cat flap installation cost is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchips 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 the elements of moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.
cat flap installation cost to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. 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 the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.