Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be checked. It can be difficult for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success. Choose the Right Door or Window There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one. It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them. It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into. If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its size and shape 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 choose to 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 wide enough for them to enter and exit easily. To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for. You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm. Take a measurement of your windows or doors Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides a way for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside. Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it. It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house. Choose the right cat flap There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts. There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to. Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in too. It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws. Prepare the Tools It's important to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the door or window type). Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass. You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. If you can, use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you will need to cut. After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap! Install the Flap Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert. Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark Repair My Windows And Doors in which you will have to drill using pencil. After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost. Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.
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