Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens that require to be examined.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. Always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety 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 will be determined by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when performing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably require an entirely 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 directions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll need.
After you've cut 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 near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!
Install click the up coming document of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with the pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to move easily through it.