Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. 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.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.
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 installing the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced 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 cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they have different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, 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.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this case it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. If possible, use an outline to help identify the size of hole you will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
cat flap installation cost near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.