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. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to do. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

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

You can install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and 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 the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's big 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. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

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

A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. click here If the window read more isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're more info skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are numerous cat flaps available and they all have different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture.

There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts through too.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Next, use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

If you're installing in a composite check here door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the flap to prevent rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to come and go as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Check out the directions included with your cat flap. You will click here find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.