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 to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto a sheltered area of 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 pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If cat flap glass door installation near me fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and come with different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Also consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When 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 for undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. If possible, use an example to determine the size of hole you'll have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require 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 then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll need to drill with pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.