Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It's best to place 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 allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. window cat flap is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap into a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly


In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.

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

It is possible to install a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting through your home's walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and have different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

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. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of door or window you intend to install it on.

Also think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help determine the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

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

After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. 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 works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.

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