Fitting A Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that require to be checked.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is installed at the right height for the window or door, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through wall cat flap your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and all offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap fitting flap, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass cat Flap installation near me.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. 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 be able to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you may require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. Many companies will complete this task for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.