Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden so your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. 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 to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Measure your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. cat flap in upvc door cost are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good option and is usually the least expensive. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance, you'll probably have to install an entirely new 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 guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete 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 to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.