Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap
Blog Article
Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options out there for you.
Installing a cat flap may be a daunting task for novices, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.
Choose the Right Door, or Window
There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from leaving or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for 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.
It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside the form of a window that opens to a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to hurt them.
It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the material you put into.
To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.
Find out the size of your cat's belly
In order to put in a cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is placed at the right height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to enter and exit easily.
To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads that may be visible around their lower back, face and the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.
Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.
Take a measurement of your door or window
As the name suggests the cat flap is made to be attached to the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out whenever it wants. These flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.
A window is another common location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to fit, although they often need to be located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to help the animal reach it.
It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.
Select the Right Cat Flap
There are numerous cat flaps on the market, and have different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the house. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.
There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on.
Lastly, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good choice and is typically the least expensive. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.
Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a more info guide. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.
Make the Tools
Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap as well as a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.
Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.
For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll require.
After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop the possibility of water damage and 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 rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap!
Install the Flap
If you want your cat to come and go as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. This is a straightforward process that most people can do by themselves, though you'll likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.
Begin by studying the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.
After you more info have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do website this for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to get more info tackle it yourself.
Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may read more have to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.