Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting, but it is fairly easy to do by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your house as it likes. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to get back in if left outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
However, it is important that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your cat flap installation near me
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. Position the flap 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 too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening must be and also make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. In general put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit includes a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like it. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the replacement upvc door panel with cat flap doors or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the replacement upvc door panel with cat flap doors and certain types of glass cat flap installation near me doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.