Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, 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 return inside if they're chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
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 allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Begin by marking the click here belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for website cats. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. click here The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. If possible, 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 sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location website where the holes are to be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this click here yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.