Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to install a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it in or out and can keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the flap for 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). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter 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. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After cutting the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. However, the process can be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it into the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position in which they cannot 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 ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This could make the process of fitting the flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is placed properly on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. In general you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Be Repair My Windows And Doors not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It could include a mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which 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 proper position on your door because if it's not, the 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 allow you to manage when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.