Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.

You can install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting a cat flap one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a 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 rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat flap installation flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Finally think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap bifold doors - more information, flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, Cat Flap Bifold Doors it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.

It's time to install your cat flap installation cost flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for cat flap bifold doors the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window cat flap to keep out rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap installer near me flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.