Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flap installation cost flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based 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 and leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're 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

In order to put in the right cat flap that's a good fit for your cat flap installers, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

A window is another common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

It is possible to put a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

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

After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or upvc door panel cat flap doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat flap Bifold doors to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.