Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a small kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and can also keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap using the help of a jigsaw. After cutting the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process may be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is in the house during all seasons while you work.
If clicking here are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this properly.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is firmly fixed. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go at will. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat can't use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.