Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.

Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap near an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.

You can put a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.

Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide a way for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. They can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it 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 begin. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while more info others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space click here available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.

Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the click here least expensive. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, click here sand the edges down and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or cat flap step uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill with the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.