Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by a human intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite door cat flap doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and what you fix to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat flap cost near me to it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit 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 extra padding shields 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 the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap installers near me flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat Flap bifold Doors (sixn.net) flaps are rectangular 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 type of window or door you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door it to.

Lastly think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.

It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this case, it's likely that you'll need 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 using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll have to cut.

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 happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll have to drill using a pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.