Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

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

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to put the cat flap near a window or door that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat flap installation near me or by humans who are intent to hurt them.

You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting a Cat flap one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

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

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pushing 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 flap installation bristol flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

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

Make the Tools

It's important to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark out the size hole you'll require.

After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around as it pleases, fitting a cat flap in a upvc door flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill with the pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.