Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Windows
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, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.
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 type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to enter or leave whenever it wants. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to insert an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they have different features. Some cat flaps have security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of window or door you want to attach it to.
cat flap installation cost near me but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Contact 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 scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around at will, installing flaps can be helpful. cat flap cost can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.