Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be checked.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.
If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap into the door made of wood you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the correct height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be incorporated 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. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some come with 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. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the belly height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The most important things here you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a decent pencil check here and a spirit level a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of here the opening. This will prevent future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap installers cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you may need to hire an expert for installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll have to drill using the pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however you'll need be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a very here low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.