Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by another cat or by a human intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat-flap on 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 a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.
If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to make sure that the flap is placed at the right height on the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face, and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. click here If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to put an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when read more cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.
There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. here Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes since this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you will need to cut.
After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the website end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most here people can do on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places that you'll must drill using pencil.
After you have mapped out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will have to be comfortable using the saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to do it yourself.
Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.