Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Measure 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 allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to put an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. Always consult upvc door panels cat flap if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will 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 a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they all offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Finally think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.
After you've marked the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.