The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly easy to do with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to come back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in. It will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is fitted correctly 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 doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be a bit more difficult when you have to install it into a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. cat flap fitters near me is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to 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 prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly 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 will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Install 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 outside of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left in the open all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you control when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.