Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens who need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the keys.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap near an opening or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they're pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.

You can install the cat flap on the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as simple as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to put in a cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough to allow him to enter and leave easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which might be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.

A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless 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 they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out draughts and moisture.

There are different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

Also consider the website opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the website belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with any DIY tasks, it's best to have the appropriate tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap, a tape measure and an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

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

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help determine the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. here Once the sealant is dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes will be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using a pencil.

After you've marked the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about here doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to make sure website that it is working properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.