Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies the cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach 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.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and come with different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to 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 available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in too.
from this source to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help mark out the size of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle 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 that it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. cat flap cover for winter must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.