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 requires extra security, or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are plenty of options there for you.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to install an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting 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 one option and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in too.

It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. 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. cat flap fitting near me 'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario you'll have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.

After you have mapped out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.