Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is 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 design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

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

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but this is not more info recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps on check here the market, and have different features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements read more of moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while 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.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Next, website use your saw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down read more the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.

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, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help mark out the size of hole you will need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Begin by reading the instructions that come with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas where you have to drill using pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to get in and out of it.