Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are just click the up coming website for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. window with cat flap is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the material you put to.
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 costly errors. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your window or door
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and come with different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out 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, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Determine the belly height of 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. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. cat flap in upvc door panel should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with pencil.
After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.