Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is older and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a way back should they be chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.

You can install a cat flap in a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They can be easily 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 high enough to use the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps or stairs that are specially designed to help the upvc door panels cat flap animal reach it.

It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and come with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.

The last thing to do is consider the type of get more info opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door website then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's advisable to read more make sure you click here have the right tools for the job. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and the jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to determine the dimensions of the hole you'll have to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap will need to be drilled into the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in using a pencil.

After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable cost if you are hesitant to tackle it yourself.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then tightened together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.