Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require to be examined.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

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

Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window cat flap that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide a way for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. These 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 now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.

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

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, 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 in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

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

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap step flap to find the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill with a pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.