Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design 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. This will also allow them to return inside if they're chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. upvc door panel cat flap will allow you to make sure that the flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. 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.
Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
Check with 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 that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.