Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider 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, depending on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.
You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields 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 how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take glass cat flap installation near me of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it.
It is possible to put the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.
If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap in the door. Mark the areas where you must drill using pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. It may 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 top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.