Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have a new kitten who require a vet check There are a lot of options there to choose from.

It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

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

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.

You can put a cat flap in a upvc cat flap door panels door or glass window cat flap, but it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit 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

To install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the right height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave 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 limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly 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 at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

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

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with 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. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

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

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance you'll need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you will need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using a pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap fitters flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.