Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require to be checked. Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors. Select the Right Door or Window There are a variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one. Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them. It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and what you fix into. If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin 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. Find out the size of your cat's belly It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease. To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are known for. Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm. Measure your door or window This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside. A window is a common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to help the animal access it. A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, then there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your home. Select the Right Cat Flap There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they all offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts. There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. cat flap fitters near me are rectangular while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to. Lastly consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts. Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws. Prepare the Tools It is essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors). Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass. You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible 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 will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat-flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door. Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil. After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll have to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost. Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.