Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.

It can be difficult for non-professionals to install an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps that are available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or entering) and others with high-tech features like microchip 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's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing into.

If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. 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 size and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your window or door and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to traverse through the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to install a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, a hole needs to be created for cat flap step them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many different cat website flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

Also think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a 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 to be damaged. In this case you'll have to click here install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to determine the size of hole you'll require.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. In the end, you must apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will provide you with an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll need to drill with pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using a saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty get more info of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

The next step is to attach read more the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it is weather and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on top of the bolts, and then tacked together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.