Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that require to be examined.

It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to harm them.

You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

If you're installing the flap in glass doors, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.

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

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out 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.

Make the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario you'll likely have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them.  cat flap installer near me  will prevent future rust and water damage. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.