Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens that require to be checked.

It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.

You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Measure your window or door

The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that offer added security, which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There are also  cat flap fitting  to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It's essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type 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 to be damaged. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the size of hole you need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant 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 and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete by themselves, though you may need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.

After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can move easily through it.