Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.

It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in a window that opens into 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 get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.

You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.

If you're installing the flap on glass doors, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the more info animal in reaching it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with different features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They website also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof check here and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing get more info it to.

Finally, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

Check with the manufacturer prior to 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 probably need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.

After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block here the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to do it yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.