Fitting a Cat Flap
It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure cat flap double glazing Repair My Windows And Doors will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This could make the process of fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is flush against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
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 cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the template's shape 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, you are able to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help 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 through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external 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 significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as 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).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to control when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.