Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your house It is recommended to put the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden so your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.

You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is at the correct height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

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

Take a measurement of your door or window

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

Cat flaps website are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer more info different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Also consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This more info could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case, you'll probably have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant you require to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you'll cat flap installation likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.

Check out the directions that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that website it allows them to enter and exit easily.