Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Installing a cat flap into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or if you have kittens that require to be checked.

It can be difficult for people who aren't experts in installing a cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There's a wide selection of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap inside a window or door that opens to a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. If you can, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming them.

It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put to.

To avoid costly errors, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap in an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is the perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads which might be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The padding provides your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or above 5kg in weight, for example an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is advised.

Take a measurement of your window or door

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into a 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 are located in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that can be opened by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available with locking options that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They can be easily installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to install the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting through your home's walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the correct cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of get more info the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is exactly on the door and not get more info too low. Draw a template for the shape of read more the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's best to have the proper tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Consult the manufacturer before 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 have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap to be placed in check here the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of a saw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. website You can then place the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.