Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
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 stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent on harming them.
You can install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct 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 along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. cat flap installer www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to insert an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section 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 make sure that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.