Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires additional security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style 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. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent to harm them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them to.
If you're installing the flap on a glass door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.
Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which may be visible around their lower back, face, and 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 how large opening you require. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your door or window
The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set 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 flap, then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to put an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This 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. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Certain seals are get more info weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you want to attach it to.
The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too website low. Use your more info spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. glass cat flap installation near me In this scenario, it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll have to cut.
After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. 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 go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled for the flap on the door. Mark the areas where you have to drill using the pencil.
After you've marked read more the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll require a good understanding of a jigsaw. Many companies will do this task for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can get in and out of it.