Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's usually best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so that your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.

You can put an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is at the right height for the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and out easily.

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

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy read more to be installed, however they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are click here numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using 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 of the flap for cats. Next, read more use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw more info depending on the type of door or window.

Contact 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 have 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 click here using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to identify the size of the hole you have to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll need to drill with a pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.