Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to put the cat flap in an opening or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to return inside in the event of being chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.
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 in a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in the right cat flap that's a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide a way for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. cat flap installer near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
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 broken. In this instance, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. Most people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Check out the directions included with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas that you'll must drill using a pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.