Fitting a Cat Flap

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
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 leaving or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Take a measurement of your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. cat flap installation near me have a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
hop over to this website can be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. web page or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. You'll need 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 window or door.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance you'll have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the size of the hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. Many companies will do this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.