Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there for you.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to harm them.

You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a 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, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing 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 any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap onto the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will enable 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, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

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

Take a measurement of your door or window

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high to use read more a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there click here aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting 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 your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However, if you want to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Check out the get more info directions that came with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will website give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in using 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 relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to website enter and leave easily through it.