Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to keep your pet from getting out or in and others with 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 purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your house, it's usually best to put the cat flap inside the form of a door or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it, so that they become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your window or door and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5Kg, for example, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. The 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 pressing on either side. They can be locked which provide extra security which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

A cat flap can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, a hole needs to be created for them and this is something you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many different cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts.

There are also different sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space available and the kind of window or cat flap glass door installation near me door you are fitting it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is more info one choice and is typically the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in as well.

After you've chosen the right cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on your door or window type).

If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions provided by the manufacture. Use a template to determine the size of hole you need.

After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. It is get more info also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to prevent wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap click here in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled here for the flap on the door. Mark the areas where you have to drill using pencil.

After you have mapped out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer portion of the flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.