Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be checked.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to situate the cat flap in an opening or window that opens onto an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in case they are chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are known for.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. The flaps can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. You should always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your house.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and each one comes with various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to get more info block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of website your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Finally consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering and website you may let draughts through as well.

After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you should then click here smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Begin by studying the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with pencil.

After you have get more info marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll require a good understanding of a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.