Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to place the cat flap in a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
You can install the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the correct height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding shields 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 an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are also click through the following web page to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly 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 are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and a jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new 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 provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.