Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options there for you.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap in the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
cat flap fitters near me can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
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 it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you will likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided 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. Mark the areas you will need to drill in using a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.