Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the 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'll need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and come with different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
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 to mark the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can aid. back door with cat flap fitted is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in using the pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.