Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and what you fix to.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Measure your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to help the here animal reach it.
Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This website is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and all offer different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting pets or friends into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down 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 available when performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case, you'll probably 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 with the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the size of hole you have to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and 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
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with the pencil.
After you've marked the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure website it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and here then tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to website move easily through it.