Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be examined.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.

To avoid costly errors 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 to an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. cat flap in upvc door cost will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

Alternately, you could make use of 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 the cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your door or window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide the pet with a way to enter or leave as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of window or door you are fitting it to.

Lastly, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to determine the size of hole you'll have to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry 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. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.
cat flap in upvc door cost