Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's large enough for them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If cat flap cost near me is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and come with different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw replacement upvc door panels with cat flap of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This 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 many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.