Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to move in and out of your house as it pleases. This can help keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
It is crucial that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend to contact a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
It is important to first measure your cat before attempting to install. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to decide where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forward.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this properly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like it. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Place cat flap fitting near me
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This lets you let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could affect how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one on your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks which let you manage when your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.