Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in an opening or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If you can it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent on harming them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.

Measure 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 allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

This type 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 aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options which provide extra security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, more info and have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing friends check here or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you are fitting it to.

Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

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

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance, you'll probably need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to seal the here holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it in glass here or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole click here of your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.