Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside a window or door that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.
You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap to a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to put in a cat flap that's a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height on the door or window and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum 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. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide added security so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to 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 too high to be used as a cat flap, steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but this read more is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since 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, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet read more from letting friends or another animal into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of door website or window you intend to install it on.
Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. It will not stop other pets and cats from get more info entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations since this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this scenario, you'll probably require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you need.
After you've made the hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.
After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that get more info it allows them to enter and exit easily.