Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.
It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.
Take a measurement of your window or door
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can be incorporated into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on more info the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fixing it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the least expensive. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a read more Jigsaw to cut the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the appropriate tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and more info the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you may need to hire an expert if you're installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of replacement upvc door panels with cat flap the template. This will give you 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 a pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll require a good understanding check here of a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.