Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's 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, based on the design of your home, inside an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by a cat or by a human intent on harming them.
It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, 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 on an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its size and shape and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the right height for the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to get in and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Measure Your Door or Window
As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in your home's walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends read more into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There is also a choice of sizes, 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 will be dictated by the space available and the kind of door or window you are fitting it to.
Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.
After you've chosen the correct 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 using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the website flap for cats. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have click here the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.
Contact the manufacturer prior to 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 that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you'll require.
After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
The installation of a click here flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it here in glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.
Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.