Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

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

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design 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 enable them to return inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.

To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your window or door

Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat flap, and read more they are simple enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto the brick click here wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer different features. Some have security options read more such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or check here window you're fixing it to.

Also think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.

If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of hole you'll need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap on their own. However should you wish to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will have to drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to check here the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.