Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, including 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. cat flap fitting to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to put the cat flap inside a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first so that it can become 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 make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to get in and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your window or door
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to insert an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes available depending 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 door or window you are fitting it to.
Lastly think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through too.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize cat flap installation to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth 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 necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.
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