Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.

It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap on a wooden door, start by the cat flap double glazing with it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect 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 how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Measure your windows or doors

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your house.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the belly 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, you can use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or replacement upvc door panel with cat flap door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat flap installation bristol (jobs251.Com) to go and come whenever it wishes. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or upvc door panels with cat flap type door, you may require an expert.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with the 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 relatively simple job however you'll need be comfortable using the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.