Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap onto a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough for them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure your window or door
As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide the pet with a way to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. These flaps can be locked which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed 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 then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. what is it worth come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in too.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of hole you need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of 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 places where you must drill using a pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.