Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. If 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 people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. Repair My Windows And Doors is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens to an area of protection in the garden so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.
You can install the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is placed at the right height on the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics 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 is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can opt for steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're installing it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through too.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When 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
Like all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
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 will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and 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 come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.