Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted, there are a lot of options there to choose from.

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

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your home, it's usually best to situate the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area of protection in the garden so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to hurt 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 fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put into.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat first so that it can become 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 need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height for the door or window and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

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 instance the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to leave or enter at any time it wishes. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that is opened by gently pressing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They can be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there are no cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them. This is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when cutting click here into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they have different features. Some are equipped with security features like magnetic locks click here or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and restrict your pet from letting friends read more or other animals into the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Lastly think about the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the door or window and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level here to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, a pencil and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll require.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to find the template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll here have to drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however you'll need be comfortable with a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer section of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.