Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are  glass cat flap installation near me  of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to place the cat flap near a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent on harming them.

It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window isn't 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 help the animal reach it.

A cat flap can be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like any DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

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

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you'll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however you'll need be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.