Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap inside a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the right height for the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternately, you could make use of 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 opening size is 14x12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cat flap fitting cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap can be installed 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. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and have various features. Some cat flaps have security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
The here last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in too.
After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It's important to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat click here to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you will likely click here need to hire an expert if you're installing more info the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they can get in and out of it.