Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

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

Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

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 a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across 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, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big 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 door or window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

It is possible to install an egress into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes within the wall before you begin. Always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting into read more your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out website the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Also consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. 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 create holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with an eraser and tape read more measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to come and go at will, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The here outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows website them to enter and exit easily.