Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are a lot of options there for you.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap to an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat flap installers near me to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

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

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Measure your window or door

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that offer added security, which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach 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.

Cat flaps can be installed 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 cables and pipes. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps available and they all have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start 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. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

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

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or upvc door panel with cat flap door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap in the door. Mark the areas that you'll need to drill with pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your Cat Flap Installation Bristol to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.