Installing a cat flap might appear daunting however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move into and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out and make your home safer by letting you know 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 pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of your flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. You can get 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 your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and back.
You will need to think about 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 could make the process of the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job should you not have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Be cat flap fitting near me not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to install a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.