Installing a cat flap your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.

It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

Based on the style of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap inside a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

cat flap installers near me is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as 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 cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. Most people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill with a pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.
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