Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.

It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding shields 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 the opening you'll need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your window or door

As the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers a way for your pet to enter or leave whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can use steps, ramps or specially designed click herewebsite stairs to help the animal reach it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are website many different cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as 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 block draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you fitting cat flap in upvc door panel pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an choice and is typically the cheapest. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll need.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat read more flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.