Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted, there are plenty of options out there for you.

It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the right instructions it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

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

Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to place the cat flap in an opening or window that opens onto a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. This will also allow them to return inside if they're pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to.

To avoid costly mistakes to avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you are fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Make sure you measure your window or door

The name implies, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and rest in the middle of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they usually need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

A cat flap could also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your house.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from allowing friends or animals to enter the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There is also a choice of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Finally, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from entering and you may be letting draughts in too.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Draw a template for the shape check here of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the jigsaw, 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 create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and a jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with check here a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you'll need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block rain click heremore info and wind. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you may require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

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

Once you have marked out the area in your door, use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer section of check here the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.