Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens that require to be checked.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window 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 along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Measure cat flap installer near me or window

This type 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. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. They can be locked that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

A window is another common location for 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 is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind 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.

Finally, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in too.

Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on your 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 to be broken. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit an additional 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 provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the size of hole you will need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with a pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.