Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by another animal or human who wants to hurt them.

It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its shape and size, 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 a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a high here level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space available and the kind of window or door you are fitting it to.

The last thing to do is think about the opening click here mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine 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. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It's important to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind 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 become damaged. In this instance you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you have to cut.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop future rust and water damage. Finally, you should read more 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 block the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.

Begin by reading the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Then, mark the places where you have to drill using a pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's website area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, read more there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can move easily through it.