Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap installation flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be examined.

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

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flap insulation flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as 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 purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting a cat flap one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.

If you're installing the flap in glass cat flap installation near me doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.

A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you'll need.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear 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 move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can complete by themselves, though you may require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.