Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap in the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure your window or door
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. fitting a cat flap in a upvc door have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. cat flap step are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that 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. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to mark out the size of hole you'll have to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. cat flap in bifold doors can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
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 the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using the pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.