Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is old and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be vetted.

It can be difficult for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.

You can put a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit 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

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The padding helps protect 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 the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Measure your windows or doors

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or upvc door panel with cat flap specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Also consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the cheapest. However, it won't keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking read more the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw here a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this check here case, you'll probably need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you determine the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will have to drill using a pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however you'll need be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to get more info you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.