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 a new kitten who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly mistakes 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 in the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and come with different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. double glazing cat flap is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could let draughts in too.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you'll have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. Finally, you should 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. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you may need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.