Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Based on the style of your home It is recommended to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
The name implies, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are also different 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 pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is 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 as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll need.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.
Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.