Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted There are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-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 Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they are simple 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 be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap can be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
Finally think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the appropriate tools for the job. 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 window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In his response , you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill using the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a 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 keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to move easily through it.