Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of your flap with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to completion. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
It is essential to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure 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 base of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to determine where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also prevent 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 doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. cat flap installation near me will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit includes the template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You will then 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 it yourself if feel confident enough to handle a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
You can fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.