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. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options there for you.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap in an opening or window that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to 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 move your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to enter or leave as it pleases. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to more info it.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting into the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and all offer different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the windows or doors, get more info it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. get more info You'll require the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making check here any modifications 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 from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.
After you have cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to come and go whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap on their own. However should you wish to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions included with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may have to seal check here it prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.