Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there for you. Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision. Select the Right Door or Window There's a wide selection of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced 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 purchase and install one. It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them. You can install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into. If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle. Measure Your Cat's Belly To install the right cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and out easily. Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect 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 an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised. Make sure you measure your door or window This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside. Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it. A cat flap can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing cat flap installer or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls. Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you. There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts. There are various sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on. Also consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well. Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws. Make the Tools As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and a jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors). Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead. You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Use a template to mark out the size hole you need. After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door. Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using pencil. After you have mapped out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself. Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.