Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require to be vetted. It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy. Select the Right Door, or Windows There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. However, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one. Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens out into 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 in the event of being chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them. It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to. To avoid cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors , it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle. Take a look at your cat's belly measurement To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and out easily. Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills. You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm. Measure your window or door This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside. A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it. Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you start. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls. Choose the right cat flap There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out moisture and draughts. There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, 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. Also consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well. Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure 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 guide. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws. Prepare the Tools It's essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type). Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass. For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll need. After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. 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 has dried, you can install your new cat-flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door. Begin by studying the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using pencil. After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable with the saw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself. The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked 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 get in and out of it.