Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap installers near me flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a upvc cat flap door panels door or glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting a cat Flap the flap to the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window and also that it's 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. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. 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 take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Measure your door or window

As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though 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 use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are numerous cat flap cost flaps that are available on the market, and they come with various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

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

Make the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

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 damaged. In this case, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you require.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using a pencil.

After you've marked the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.