Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there for you.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face and legs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.
Measure upvc door panels cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors or door
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some cat flaps have security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to determine the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish on their own, but you may require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using the pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside 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. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.