Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted.

It can be intimidating for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a wide variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider 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 generally best to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or human who wants to hurt them.

You can put an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap into a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to install the right cat flap that's the right size for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit with ease.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also take into account 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 opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

Cat flaps can also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Choose 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 prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes that are get more info available based on the size and breed of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space available as well as the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in as well.

After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured your window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not website too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once 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 tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools for the job. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and the Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

If you're installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you'll need.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. Most people can put in the flap on their check here own. However should you wish to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This get more info will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll have to drill using a pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a minimal cost.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer read more part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.