Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. 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 are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.
You can install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Take a measurement of your window or door
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as get more info the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not get more info prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the belly height on the website door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to website ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. check here Then, using your saw, cut out 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.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new 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 given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help mark out the size of hole you'll will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however you'll need be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.