Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. We recommend that you call an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at working all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
cat flap installer near me will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without to open the door to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It could be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.