Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be examined.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window and that it is large enough for him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers the pet with a way to enter or leave as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get more info get access to it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could check here weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the check here future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using the pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that website they can get get more info in and out of it.