Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there to choose from. It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors. Select the Right Door or Windows There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one. Visit Homepage is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them. It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into. If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape. Find out the size of your cat's belly To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and out easily. To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics. Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm. Measure your window or door As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. The flaps can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside. Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it. It is possible to insert the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your house. Choose the right cat flap There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on. Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts. Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against 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 the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws. Prepare the Tools As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door. Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead. For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the size of hole you'll need to cut. After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely 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 reading the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil. Once you have marked out the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself. Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.