Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a Cat Flap

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

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There are many different types of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your home It is recommended to place the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they be chased by another cat or by humans intent on harming 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 and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into.

If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into an existing wooden door, you should introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that might be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you require. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is recommended.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that offer added security, which means that your cat can't walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, however they have to check here be installed at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to reach 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 assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap could also be fitted to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you start. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You.

There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and come with various features. Some cat flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting friends or another animal into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block draughts and moisture.

There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Finally, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other cats and pets from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured your door or window then it's time to install it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result, sand the edges down and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window.

Consult the manufacturer before making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this instance, it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap cat flap fitters near me using a jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to identify the size of hole you need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, you should then sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any future water damage or rust. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want check here your cat to be able to move around at will, installing a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can do on their own, but you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door.

Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be made for the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the areas where you must drill using the pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw here to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Many companies will complete this for you at a reasonable price if you are hesitant to take on the task yourself.

The next step is to attach the inside of the cat flap to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before doing this to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the flap website on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.