Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.

You can install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because 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.

To avoid costly mistakes 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 installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

To install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

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

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide added security so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they have various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also a range 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 choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll need.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Finally, www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It might 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 can be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.