Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
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 high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside 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. cat flap installer near me will also enable them to go back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to insert a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. cat flap installer near me of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.