Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or glass cat flap installation near me entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If possible, this will also give them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent on harming them.

You can put the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass cat flap installation near me window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

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

Make sure you measure your door or window

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting cat flap in upvc door panel it to.

The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for 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. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, glass cat flap installation near me file and a jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

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

For wooden or upvc cat flap door panels doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and 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 down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to put it in glass or replacement upvc door panel with cat flap type door, you may need an expert.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.