Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap in an opening or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can 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 then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. click the next web site is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, then there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any changes since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely you'll need 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 with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to get in and out of it.