Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get chased by another
cat flap bifold doors or by humans who are intent to hurt them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right 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 across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.
A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a
cat flap in upvc door panel flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right
Cat flap installation Bristol flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new
cat flaps for french doors flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll have to drill using a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.
