Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

Blog Article

Installing a cat flap into your home could be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted There are a lot of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

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

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap into the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

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

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides the pet with a way to enter or leave whenever it wants. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. They can be locked that provide additional security which means that your cat can't enter the door from outside.

A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. If there are, there must be a hole made for them. This is something you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they all offer different more info features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening check here mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

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

Make the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of door or window.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that replacement upvc door panel with cat flap most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may require the help of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will website provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will have to drill with a pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.