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Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens that require to be examined.
It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach 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 the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it so that they can 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 the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.
Lastly think about fitting a cat flap opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the right 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 type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this scenario you'll have to install an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. There is cat flap installation near me of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas where you must drill using pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.