Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined. Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success. Choose the Right Door, or Window There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one. It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent to harm them. You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to. To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape. Measure Your Cat's Belly To install a cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and out easily. To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for. You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm. Measure your door or window This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside. A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it. It is possible to put a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into your home's walls. Select the Right Cat Flap There are many cat flaps on the market, and they have various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to. Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well. Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that 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 guide. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws. Prepare the Tools As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window. Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass. For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require. After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to move around at will, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door. Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using the pencil. After you have mapped out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself. Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.
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