Fitting a Cat Flap
Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening there are plenty of options there to choose from.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by a cat 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 easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap into an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. The flaps can be locked that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply enter the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to install an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. 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 will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Select cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk
There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. 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 rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools to complete the task. 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 the Jigsaw (depending on the 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 damaged. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you need.
After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.