Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options there for you.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap into an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall but it 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 begin. If there are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap is 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 think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in too.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. cat flap installation near me repairmywindowsanddoors should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas that you'll need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.