Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, click through the up coming website page to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to put the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If you can this will also allow them a way back case they are chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height for the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and leave easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide the pet with a way to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size 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 stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap . This is a fairly simple task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.