Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to 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 that need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If possible, this will also give them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to prevent rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you may need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap is a relatively easy task, but you'll require a good understanding of the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.