Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It's 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 allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by a human intent to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat flap cost-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.

If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough for them to enter and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Take a measurement of your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access 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 aid the animal in accessing it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. 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 fixing it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism the cat flap installation near me flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts in too.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on the door or window with cat flap type).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap double glazing flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you'll require.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. Most people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Begin by reading the instructions provided with your cat flap installers near me flap to find the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using pencil.

After you have mapped out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. You may need to seal it prior Cat Flaps to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.