Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option 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 a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
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 from leaving or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is 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 the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure click through the following web page or Window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but this 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 within the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
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 scenario you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of hole you'll need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.