Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap in an opening or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If possible it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent 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 A cat Flap one into a wooden door. It's because upvc door panels cat flap or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

Take a look at your cat flap in upvc door panel's belly measurement

In order to install a cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is at the correct height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space available and the type of door or window you are fitting a cat flap 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 a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.

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

Prepare the Tools

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

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with the pencil.

After you have mapped out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.