Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check, 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. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix 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're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the correct height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. The flaps can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to here assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is more info right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering the room, read more and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap click here itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case 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 design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete on their own, but you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas that you'll must drill using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do read more this task for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.