Fitting A Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options there to choose from.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or window cat flap

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flap installer flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

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 install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, 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 over their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Measure your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

cat flap in bifold doors flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and come with various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap installation flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).

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

You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

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

After you have mapped out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.