Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap cover for winter flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose 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 coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's usually best to put the cat flap in a window or door that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If you can, this will also give them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting a cat flap the flap into an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

As the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy 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, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to install the cat flap installation near me flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flap installation near me flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space available and fitting a cat flap the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors, 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 straight against the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Check out the directions included with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable using a saw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.