Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.

Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the 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.

You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the right height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to enter and exit easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless experienced 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. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.

There are also different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas 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 fitting it to.

Also think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap installation bristol flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

If you're installing a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because 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 replacement upvc door panels with cat flap doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap installation near me flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat flap bifold doors to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. Most people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.