Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are plenty of options there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap could be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors.
Select the Right Door or Window
There are a wide variety of cat flaps available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can this will also allow them a way back should they be chased by a cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap in the door made of wood, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its size and shape 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 the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply walk through the door from outside.
A window is another common place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is not here sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can make use of ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this 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 and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your house.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they come with different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting get more info friends or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it more info to.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.
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 not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.
Prepare the Tools
As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a decent pencil and check here a spirit level drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).
If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow read more the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you mark out the dimensions of the hole you need to cut.
After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require 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
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you will likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.
Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll have to drill using pencil.
Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.