Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting 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 is at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great option to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is important that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). repairmywindowsanddoors is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of your flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with a professional for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you work.
It is essential to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to get an precise measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and back.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be and also make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to leave or enter.
The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it's securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It may include a mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in the rain.