Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening There are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat flap installation feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by a human intent on harming them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap in the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat flap cover for winter to it before you fit it to allow them to become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height on your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. 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 an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is a common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and come with different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block 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 flap installer near me flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through wall cat flap the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or upvc door panels with cat flap doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.

After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions that come with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll must drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat Flap installation bristol flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.