Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to complete. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.
Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens onto an area of protection in the garden so your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.
Make sure you measure your windows or doors
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your home.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or cat flap cost microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation get more info to keep out draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door with 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 template of the cat flap. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make here holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's important to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario it's likely that you will need to replace the get more info glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've made the hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. Most people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Note website the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.
After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you'll require a good understanding of a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.