Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.

You can put a cat flap in the case of a replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door or glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. It's because upvc door panels with cat flap or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix to.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window cat flap

The name implies, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

Cat Flap Step flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you are fitting cat flap in upvc door panel it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.

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 on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance you'll likely have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll need.

After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap installation cost near me flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to move easily through it.