Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require to be vetted.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to put the cat flap inside 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 you can this will also allow them a way back should they get pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding protects 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, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it upvc door panels cat flap could weaken the structure of the wall. It is here important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

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

Also think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also let in draughts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Next, use your saw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll get more info need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

Contact the manufacturer prior to making click here any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any future water damage or rust. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried it is time 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 accomplish themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however you'll need be comfortable with the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.