Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap onto the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these may be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are 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 pipes and cables. If they are, a hole needs to be 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 dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. click here Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come 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 installing it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line how much to install a cat flap isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to more info become broken. In this instance it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will get more info stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap 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 wants. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Look here at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll require a good understanding of the saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.