Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human who wants to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your window or door
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, then there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Choose fitting a cat flap in a upvc door repairmywindowsanddoors
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and they have different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and a jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat 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 need.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.