Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat flap installers to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window cat flap that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that upvc door panels with cat flap and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting a cat flap the flap into the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Measure 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 height. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is at the correct height on the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap in upvc door panel flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you intend to install it on.

Lastly think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure 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 a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

If you're installing a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help determine the size of hole you have to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill with pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will do this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.