Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.
Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to put the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
To install the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and leave easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure your windows or doors
The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. They are usually made of 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. These flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it get more info difficult to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different click here cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The kind 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.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the check here result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's more info always best to have the right tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap, 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 case you'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark the size 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 rust or water damage from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can put in the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of 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 hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on get more info top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.