Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
Based on the style of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If possible this will also allow them a way back case they are chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide a way for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. Always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Choosing upvc door panel replacement cat flap of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. replacement upvc door panel with cat flap is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.