Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap in your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so your cat will feel secure going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to get back inside if they're chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt them.

You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the type of door you can fix to.

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 in a wooden door, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it to allow them to get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.

Alternately, you could make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Measure Your Door or Window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap, and they're easy enough to fit, although they usually need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to put an egress into brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in masonry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and they all have various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting friends or animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're installing it to.

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

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap as well as an eraser and double glazing cat flap tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case, you'll probably need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat website flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll need.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop future rust and water damage. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window 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 move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional.

Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea get more info of where holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with pencil.

Once you have marked out read more the door's opening then use a jigsaw cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. You may have to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.