Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet come and go in and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right 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 center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to finish. However, the process can be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it into a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It may seem like 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 taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved 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, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Place cat flap installation near me at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening must be and also ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be cautious 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. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wishes.
You can fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one by yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.