Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check There are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If you can, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent on harming them.
You can install a cat flap in the form of 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 are available in different thicknesses. This can affect the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.
To avoid costly errors to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you are fitting the flap onto an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face and limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are known for.
Alternately, you could use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.
Measure your windows or doors
As the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. The flaps can be locked that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.
A window is a common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window isn't high enough to use the flap for cats, you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.
It is possible to put a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. Always consult an expert when you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting into your walls.
Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.
There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.
There are different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your here pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you want to attach it to.
Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.
It's time to install your cat flap. Begin by check here marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the flap for cats. Then, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and drill through click here the pencil marks to make holes for screws.
Make the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind 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 broken. In this instance you'll need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.
You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.
After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry and dry, you can install your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can more info aid. This is a simple process that most people can do themselves, although you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in a glass door or other type of uPVC door.
Take a look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task, but you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this fitting cat flap in upvc door panel for you at a minimal cost.
The next step is to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.