Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. how much to install a cat flap have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it 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 they are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
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 microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for doing 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).
If you're installing in a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.