Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. cat flap installers near me is important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
If you're installing the flap in a glass door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face, and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. 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 an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they come with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's important to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to identify the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.