Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to insert the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, a hole needs to be created for website them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Also, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the read more glass with a fresh piece website of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install read more it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the here template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.