Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens that require to be vetted.
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 keys.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. However, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install a cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Measure Your Door or Window
The name implies the cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide the pet with a way to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats check here and dogs find it difficult to website access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
A cat flap can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.
Lastly, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a check here drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of window or door.
If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes since this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap click here using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to mark out the size of hole you will need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you may require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then get more info tacked together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.