Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your home as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and can protect your home by letting you 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 escaping 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 width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
cat flap installer of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process may be slightly more complicated when you have to install it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their 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 figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on 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 avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes, so you can let it out or in without holding the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.