Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly easy to do with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat out or in and make your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
However, it is important 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 crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or less than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting 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 onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend to contact a professional when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your cat flap installer near me
A cat flap double glazing flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can take 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 have the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging task so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. 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 will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template shape 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 door panels cat flap, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use 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 the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screws then push them into 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.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weathers).
You can install a cat flap double glazing flap into an upvc door panel with cat flap or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can copy it to make your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available 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 proper position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.