Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a way back case they are chased by a cat or by humans intent to harm them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting A cat flap one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to get in and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat 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 kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Finally think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of 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. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap in upvc door panel flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or upvc door panels with cat flap door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you may require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of upvc door panels with cat flap door.

Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas that 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 relatively easy task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap cover for winter flap to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.