Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
upvc door panel with cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent 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 to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install the right cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your window or door
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap can be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and they have different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also let in draughts.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, as this may 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 brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you identify the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you may need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable with a saw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.