Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip 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.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat 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 ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is at the right height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing 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.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as 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 constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and 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 protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
Once hop over to these guys have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand 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 guidelines given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to identify the size of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once upvc door panel with cat flap fitted has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with the 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 however you'll need be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.