Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in a window that opens into 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 enable them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
You can put the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you make sure that the flap is placed at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially check here designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to install an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. You should always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it check here to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the right cat flap website and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw more infoclick here a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh 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 out the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant 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 then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in with pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then place the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.