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Fitting a Cat Flap
Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a way back case they are chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. You should always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they have various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you are fitting it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, cat flap in upvc door panel will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.

After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.


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

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's opening 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 need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. Then, her explanation can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.

Read More: https://www.openlearning.com/u/josefsenarildsen-skvk1s/blog/CatFlapInstallersNearMe