Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to set up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to come and go inside and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back in if it is left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can also ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After cutting the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend to contact a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can take 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 figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This makes fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once cat flap double glazing repairmywindowsanddoors has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to access it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful if you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.