Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent 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 that require to be vetted.

It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to an area of protection in the garden so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible it will also provide them a way back should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.

You can install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.

If you're installing the flap on a glass door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access check here to it.

It is possible to install a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes check here within the wall before you start. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.

Also think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this instance, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a fresh 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. Make use of a template 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. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing a flap can help. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However should you wish to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in with a pencil.

After you have mapped out the area read more in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the saw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then here tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that here they can move easily through it.