Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from.

It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they're chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.

It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly 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 weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure your window or door

The name implies, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave whenever it wants. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. They are available in locking versions that offer added security, which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat replacement upvc door panels with cat flap flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized 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 familiar with masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some cat flaps have security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you want to attach it to.

Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the here hole you'll will need to cut.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing a flap can help. This is a simple process that most people can complete on their own, but you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Mark the check here areas in which you will must drill using a pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and website cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are worried about doing website it yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.