Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for 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 run your fingers along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy that may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be set 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 make use of ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a more info spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. website You'll need a cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with cat flap insulation the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For website wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to determine the size of hole you'll will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent 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 door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the more info template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.