Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there to choose from.

It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. 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.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. 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 chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. It's because upvc door panel with cat flap fitted or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is at the correct height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers the pet with a way to leave or enter at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps 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 another popular place to put a double glazing cat flap flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat flap double glazing's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.

Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If they 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 can help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many cat flaps on the market, and all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose 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 for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts in too.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass cat flap installation near me (mouse click on Postheaven) with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block 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 at will, installing a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap installers near me flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas where you must drill using pencil.

After you've 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 with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.