Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It's possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap to the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Measure Your Cat's Belly
To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. 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 need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They come 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 offer extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you website can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.
Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you're familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. If they check here are, an opening must be made for them. This is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are numerous cat flaps available on the market, and they have cat flap glass door installation near me various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.
There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.
Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the check here pencil marks to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a decent 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 to become damaged. In this case you'll likely have to install a new pane of toughened glass doors with cat flap instead.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require 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. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can do themselves, although you may require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will 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've marked the door's area, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.
Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.