Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening there are a lot of options there to choose from.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how much to install a cat flap easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Based on the style of your house It is recommended to put the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.

You can put the cat flaps for french doors flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because replacement upvc door panels with cat flap and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your house.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and have different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type 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.

Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap step flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap in bifold doors flap in upvc door cost (Http://yerliakor.com/user/swantrick23) flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.