Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with 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 make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and come with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create upvc cat flap door panels for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once visit the following page are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case you'll likely require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan 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 to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a saw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.