Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of 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 those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flap installation flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat flap installation bristol will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.

You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

cat flap installation near me flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. Always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

There is also a choice 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. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.

Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, since this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case, you'll probably require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. If possible, you can use an outline to help mark out the size of the hole you have to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can do on their own, but you'll likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the areas where you have to drill using pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the Cat flap Installation Bristol flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap fitters near me flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.