Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to put the cat flap in a window or door that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
simply click for source can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install a cat flap that's a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic 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 can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll likely have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. If possible, use a template to help you determine the size of hole you'll will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. cat flap cost near me 's a simple procedure that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap will need to drill in with a pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.
Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.