Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat 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, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.
You can install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is at the right height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. composite door cat flap are constructed 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. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. Always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Finally, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance you'll likely have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to mark out the dimensions of the hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. This is a straightforward process that most people can do on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.