Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted There are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along 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 acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Highly recommended Site is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. If they are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly 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. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you may require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.