Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

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

Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.

You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to install the right cat flap that's the right size 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 wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to here be installed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap can be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There are also click here different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.

Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand click here down the edges and then drill through the pencil click here marks to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

Like all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or more info uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. Also, 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 go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you will likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will require a good understanding of a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.