Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and needs extra security, or you have kittens who need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to go back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.
It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.
To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple 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 be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in masonry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the dust that is generated when cutting into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are also different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space get more info you have available and the type of window or door you are fitting it to.
Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the least expensive. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.
Once you have selected the right 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 sitting straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using get more info your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's important to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause check here the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance, it's likely that you'll upvc cat flap door panels have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an outline to help identify the size of hole you'll will need to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in with pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies get more info that can do this for you at a very low cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.