Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires extra security or if you have kittens who need to be checked.

It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.

You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting a cat flap in a upvc door one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap on glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you are fitting the flap into a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

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

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these could be visible on their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap installation bristol flap opening is advised.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and have various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and 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 square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

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

You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap bifold doors flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will have to drill using a pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the Cat flap (Www.Metooo.co.Uk). It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.