Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of Cat Flap Bifold Doors - Lyng-Mercer.Mdwrite.Net, flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap in a replacement upvc door panel with cat flap or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.

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

Find out the size of your cat's belly

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

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The 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 now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat flap cost can't simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with a pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap glass door installation near me flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap installation cost near me flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.