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. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

Depending on the style of your house, it's usually best to put the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by humans who are intent to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door it is recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

In order to put in a cat flap that's a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also use your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance that's a 14x12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Measure your window or door

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to enter the door from outside.

A window is another popular place to put 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 in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to cut a hole in the wall for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are many cat flaps on the market, and have various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing pets or friends into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

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

Also, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may be letting draughts in too.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the line isn't too low and is straight on the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the check here door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's important to have the right tools for performing any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file and the jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

If you're installing here a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance it's likely 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 directions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help identify the size of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you must sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the near future. You should also seal the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Installing a flap allows your cat to move around more info whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to find the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas in which you will must drill using 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 fairly simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a Jigsaw. Many companies will do this for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how here to tackle it yourself.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to enter and leave easily through it.