Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options out there for you.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip 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 is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent on harming them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
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 onto the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
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 ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially 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 up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is a common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to insert the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come 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 kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw cat flap double glazing for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In navigate to this web-site 'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the size of hole you'll have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.