Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are numerous options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that require to be vetted.
Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.
Select the Right Door, or Windows
There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens 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 in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to harm them.
You can install a cat flap in the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
In order to install the right cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face and limbs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.
You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Measure your door or window
Like the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be affixed to a door and provides a way for your pet to enter or leave whenever it wants. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is upvc door panel with cat flap fitted too high for a cat flap, then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.
It is possible to install an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.
There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. 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 installing it to.
The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.
After you've chosen the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied more info with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario you'll need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the size of hole you will need to cut.
After you have cut the click here hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where more info the holes more info are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places in which you will need to drill with a pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to attach the inside of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.