Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans intent on harming them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a upvc door panel cat flap or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with 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 make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flap installer near me flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap in upvc door cost flap on your cat Flap bifold Doors to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.