Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a 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 an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.

You can install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to 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 ensure that the flap is at the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also  repairmywindowsanddoors  of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, 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 window you're fitting it to.

Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well.

After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance you'll likely have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you require.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant 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, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.

Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.