Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted There are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure your windows or doors
Like the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers a way for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps 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 type of window or door you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not 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. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.
After cat flap installers cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.