Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it in or out and can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful for those who working all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's essential 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 your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail can allow you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you want it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This lets you let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. Read the Full Content can have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It could come with its own mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and might be outside all day (or 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 coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.