Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted there are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not hard to complete. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, including 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 is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them.

It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap into the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough for them to enter and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, there check here must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls.

Select the Right Cat here Flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes that are available 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 select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A cat flaps for french doors simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the cheapest. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts through as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's outline. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the more info pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's important to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and a Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).

If you're installing in a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this case you'll require a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Use a template if possible to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go at will, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.

Begin by reading the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the drawing template. 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 pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary more info to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.