Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a huge step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be vetted.

It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If possible this will also allow them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to.

To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they get used to its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply walk through from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to install, though they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the cat flap install window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to insert the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you start. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Choose the right cat flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools for the job. You'll need a cat flap along with an website eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.

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

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap check here with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions here given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to click here keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wishes. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However when you plan to install it on a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas that you'll have to drill using pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.