Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be examined.

It can be difficult for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that upvc door panel with cat flap fitted and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

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

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

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

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.

A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to install a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. 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 made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.

The last thing to do is 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 the room, and you could be letting in drafts.

Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through wall cat flap the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap installation cost flap, a tape measure and a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this instance you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.

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

After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you may need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with pencil.

After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.