Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a big 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 a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. If possible this will also allow them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and 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 onto the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face, and the limbs. 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 how large opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of more info the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are various check here sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Also think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and read more not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario cat flap fitters near me you'll have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go at will, installing a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you may require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Look upvc cat flap door panels at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.