Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually push it to enter. 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 the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to get back inside if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to allow it out or in. It will also help protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure 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. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the flap, sand down 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 in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your pet will be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not arching in any places. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is flush against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If
cat flap installers near me have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.