Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. cat flap installation in glass doors near me come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have 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 available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Finally think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap 'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop 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 door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with pencil.
After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however you'll need be comfortable with the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.