Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening there are plenty of options out there to choose from.

It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as 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 buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly 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 commonly used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to insert an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe 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 all of them offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. cat flap installer near me won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It's important to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand 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 directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll need.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.

Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in with pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.
cat flap installer near me