Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options out there for you.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.


Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Measure your window or door

Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. repairmywindowsanddoors won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a 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 broken. In this case, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you should then sand 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 prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas where you have to drill using the 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 relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.

My Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-cat-flap-installer-near-me/