Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out 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 train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

You can put the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

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

It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could upvc door panel cat flap weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are click here a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you are fitting it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the read more kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

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

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to more info cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a simple process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, cat flap cost near me there are many companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.