Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require to be checked.
It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install the cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out 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 teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If you can, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you're fixing into.
To avoid costly errors, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is at the right height for the door or window, and that it is large enough for him to get in and out easily.
To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap cost cat flap then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.
It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a website variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you intend to install it on.
Finally, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.
Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place read more it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any cat flap fitters modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this case, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size click here hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.
Look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil.
After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.
The next step is to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.