Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires additional security or if you have kittens that require to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
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 entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
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 ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they website have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in get more info the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
The last thing to do is website think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind 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 broken. In this case you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will have to drill using pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using here the saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It is possible cat flap bifold doors to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.