Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to put the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. If you can it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent on harming them.

You can install the cat flap on the form of a upvc door panel cat flap door or glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to put in a cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Take a measurement of your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window with cat flap is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, 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 skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through your home's walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

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

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and Fitting a cat flap breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap glass door installation near me flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting a cat flap (https://www.metooo.io) it to.

Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or upvc door panel replacement cat flap doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the size of the hole you'll have to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable using the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and fitting a cat flap weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap installer flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.