Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by a human intent to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to put in a cat flap that's suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it 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. Always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your house.


Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they come with different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you are fitting it to.

Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through too.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. 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

It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a 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 and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.

After cat flap installation cost cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Finally, upvc door panel with cat flap should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will have to drill using the pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.

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