Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that require to be examined.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at 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 choose to 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 get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide a way for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless read more familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before get more info you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through too.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure 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, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant website is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can put in here the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places in which you read more will have to drill using the pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.