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 a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install a cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window, and that it's big enough for him to get in and out easily.

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

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your window or door

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide the pet with a way to enter or leave as it pleases. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

A cat flap could also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken check here the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if more info you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer website various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.

Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. When you are satisfied with the read more result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap along with tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark 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. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

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

After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

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