Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent 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.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is 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, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap into an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first so that it can become 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 choose to install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. cat flap installers for any fat pads that are squishy - these could be visible on their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.
Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.
Once you've selected the correct 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 make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. 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
As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any changes because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require 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
Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions included with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas where you have to drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on the 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.