Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. click here for info can impact the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Measure your windows or doors
The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide a way for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
visit the following website is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to determine the size of the hole you need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas that you'll need to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.