Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening there are plenty of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for 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 house, it's usually best to put the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. Repair My Windows And Doors 's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix 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 type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it so that they can get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install the right cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will help you make sure that the flap is 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 fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides a way for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats 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 help the animal access it.
It is possible to put an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario you'll likely have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.