Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flap installer near me flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to teach 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, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.

You can install the cat flap on the form of a upvc door panel with cat flap door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to get in and exit easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Take a measurement of your window or door

The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are also different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Lastly, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your 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 cat flap. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and a jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass cat flap installation near me with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to mark out the size of hole you'll have to cut.

After you've made the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it on the form of a glass or upvc door panel with cat flap type door, you may need a professional.

Begin by studying the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using the 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 have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer section of the double glazing cat flap flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your double glazing cat flap to confirm that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.