Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted There are plenty of options out there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.
Choose how much to install a cat flap or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter at any time it wishes. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located 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 extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll need.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.