Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that require to be checked.
Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. These flaps can be locked that offer added security, which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal get more info in getting to it.
A cat flap could also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's website also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your house.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or another animal into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of get more info opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could let in draughts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on get more info the kind of window or door.
Contact 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 case more info it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you need.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as 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
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas that you'll need to drill with pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.