Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or if you have kittens who need to be vetted.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and come with various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Finally, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. cat flap installation near me should also seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.
After you've marked the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.