Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
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 leaving or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to put the cat flap in an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can put a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap into the door made of wood you must 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
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it 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. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat website flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to click here fit it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you have get more info cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert for installing read more the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the read more cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.