Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

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 from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat flap installation in glass doors near me or by humans intent on harming them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.

A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.

If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you will likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark 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 in Upvc Door Cost flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will require a good understanding of the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.