Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check there are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for those who aren’t professionals to put in the cat flap, but with right instructions it’s easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it’s not as easy as fitting one into a wooden 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 materials you’re fixing them to.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you’re fitting the flap to an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
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’s size. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height on the window or door, and that it’s big enough for him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
Alternately, you could use your pet’s weight to determine the size of an opening you’ll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat can’t simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap step flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
It’s time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It is essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You’ll need a cat Flap in upvc door Cost flap along with an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
If you’re installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario you’ll need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you’ll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you’ll need to cut.
After you’ve made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat flap installer near me to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert if you’re installing the flap on a glass door or other type of replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the areas that you’ll have to drill using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It’s a relatively easy task, but you’ll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts 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 exit and enter easily.