Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a big step 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 examined.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.
To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.
Take a look at your cat's belly measurement
It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height on the door or window and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.
Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. These flaps are constructed 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 pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they are simple here enough to install, though they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can use steps, read more ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
A cat flap could be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, then there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.
Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.
There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different features. Some cat flaps have security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of door or window you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.
Once get more info you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to create holes for screws.
Make the Tools
Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.
Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance you'll require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you require.
After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new read more cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to be able to move around whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However should you wish to put it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.
Begin by studying the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled here for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll must drill using pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you will require a good understanding of the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this work for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.
Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.