Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening there are a lot of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to go back inside if they are chased by another animal or human who wants to harm them.

You can put an egress flap inside a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap in glass doors, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap on a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it to allow them to become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat. This will help you ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window, and that it's big enough for them to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads that could be visible on their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills.

You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

The name implies the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be installed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window isn't sufficient in height to be used as a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated into 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's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. You should always consult an expert when you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the sawdust that is created when you cut into your walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many check here cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features like magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are website available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the cheapest. It won't prevent other animals and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your windows or doors and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Mark the belly height of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as more info a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

If you're installing a composite door, you should consult with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you'll need.

After you've cut the required hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed check here to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it pleases. Most people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to put it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Check out the directions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with pencil.

After you've marked the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively easy task, but you will need to be comfortable using the saw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your click here door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and allows them to exit and enter easily.