Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.
It can be a bit daunting for non-professionals to install a cat flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy.
Select the Right Door or Windows
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you buy and install one.
It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by other animals or human beings who wish to hurt them.
It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or glass window, but it's not as easy as fitting one into the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.
If you're installing the flap on glass doors it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height on the window or door, and that it is large enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics.
Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm cat flap opening is advised.
Make sure you measure your door or window
This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They come with an open door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.
A window is another common location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, then you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.
It is possible to install an egress into the brick upvc door panel replacement cat flap wall, however it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.
Choose the right cat flap
There are many different cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting guests or other animals to enter the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out water and drafts.
There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap will be dictated by the space read more you have available and the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.
After you've chosen the correct cat flap and measured the window or door, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.
Prepare the Tools
It's essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap, a tape measure and a decent pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).
If you're installing a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
You'll require a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap on a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need.
After you've cut back door with cat flap fitted the required hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!
Install the Flap
Installing a flap allows your cat to go and come whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap in a glass door or other here kind of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions included with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be made in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with pencil.
After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are many companies that can complete this for you at a minimal cost.
Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all. It is recommended to check here test the flap using your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.