Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten who require a vet check there are a lot of options there for you. Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and precision. Choose the Right Door or Windows There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one. It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent to harm them. It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing 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, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles. Find out the size of your cat's belly You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for 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 gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics. You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised. Take a measurement of your door or window As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside. A window is another common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it. Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your home. Select the Right Cat Flap There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts. There are also different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to. The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts through too. After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws. Make the Tools It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door. Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass. For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you will need to cut. After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap! Install the Flap Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you may need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door. Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas that you'll need to drill with a pencil. After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself. Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.