Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat flap installation in glass doors near me to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat flap cover for winter to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.

You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in a wooden door. This is because replacement upvc door panels with cat flap and composite doors are available in a variety of 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 glass doors, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's wide enough for them to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Measure Your Door or Window

The name implies the cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many different cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.

There are different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

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

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you may require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of upvc door panel cat flap door.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas in which you will have to drill using a pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. 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 that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can move easily through it.