Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.

You can put the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

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 install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back door with cat flap fitted and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some cat flap in bifold doors flaps have security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.

Also, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or upvc door panels with cat flap door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However when you plan to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.

After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.