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 that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options out there for you.

It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It's 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 help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in should they get chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it to allow them to become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to install read more the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and have different features. Some cat flaps have security features like magnetic click here locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from website entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit cat flap double glazing level as a reference. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help mark out the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in using a pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, more info use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.