Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten who require a vet check there are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

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

Measure your window or door

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, a hole needs to be created more info for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best website cat flap will here be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help identify the size of hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, 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 rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you'll likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is read more a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself.

The click here next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.