Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.
Choose the Right Door or Windows
There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in, while others have high tech features like microchip door entry system. However, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.
Based on the style of your home, it's generally best to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent on harming them.
It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to.
If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.
You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers the pet with a way to enter or leave at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside.
Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get 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.
It is possible to install an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult website an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.
Choose the right cat flap
There are a variety of cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and replacement upvc door panels with cat flap the type of more info window or door you're fixing it to.
The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not here stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well.
It's time to put in 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 in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
Like any DIY jobs, it's always best 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 good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and the Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).
Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal get more info to be broken. In this scenario, you'll probably require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you require.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. It's a simple procedure that most people can do by themselves, though you will likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into with pencil.
Once you have marked out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.
Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.