Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps available, 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 is important to think about the ease of your cat flap in upvc door panel to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans intent on harming them.

You can put a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat flap installation bristol to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.

Cat Flap Step flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap could be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of window or door you are fitting it to.

Also, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.

After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with 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. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent 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 keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can move easily through it.