Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted There are a lot of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider 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 style of your house, 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 enable them to go back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, you should introduce your cat first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Take a measurement 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 move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.

A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles check here and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering however, and more info you could be letting in drafts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result then read more sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to website create holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It's important to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes website to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance you'll likely require a 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 directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using a pencil.

After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.