Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced 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 buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent to harm them.
You can put a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and exit 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 gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions which provide extra security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.
Also, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If upvc door panel with cat flap fitted can, use an example to identify the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas in which you will must drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.