Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that require to be examined.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.
You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow 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 enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it 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 they are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something read more that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into your home's walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are also different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door website you are fitting it to.
Also, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly on 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. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario it's likely that 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. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. here This will prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the click here sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Begin by reading the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap in the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on get more info the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.