Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through your home's walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, 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.
Lastly, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts in too.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll likely have to install 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 and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.