Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require to be checked.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. read page is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height on the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for double glazing cat flap around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers the pet with a way to enter or leave as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make cat flap double glazing to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll require.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.