Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.

Place  upvc door panels cat flap  on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. They can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of door or window you want to attach it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

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

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance, you'll probably need to fit 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 directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you'll need.

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

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap in the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole of 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 on top, and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.