Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check 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 complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap near an opening or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take hop over to these guys of your window or door
As the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. The flaps can be locked that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and come with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The most affordable 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 correct cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry 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 accomplish themselves, although you may require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.