Fitting a Cat Flap

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

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. But,  cat flap installation near me repairmywindowsanddoors  to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach 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 a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to put in a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to put a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic 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 draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

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 it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

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

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However should you wish to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however you'll need be comfortable using a saw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.