Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that require a thorough screening, there are a lot of options there to choose from.
It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, inside a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes 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 the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
To install the right cat flap that's suitable for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough for them to enter and out easily.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.
You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Measure Your Door or Window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but this 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 aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. click here If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or another animal more info into the house. website Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening here mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this case it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help mark out the size of hole you have to cut.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.
After you've marked the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it here is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.