Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options there for you.
It can be difficult for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features like 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.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap onto the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. They are available in locking versions that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of click here door or window you're installing it to.
Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make sure you have the tools ready
It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you click here should website then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. When the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of website where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the click here door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the saw. If you are 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 inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.