Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by a cat flap installer or by humans intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because upvc door panel cat flap or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put 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 are fitting the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap installation bristol flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass cat flap installation near me (kingranks.Com).

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in the form of a glass or upvc door panels with cat flap type door, you may require a professional.

Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.