Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's simple to install with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside when it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before attempting to install. It might seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler 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 have your cat's measurement then you can look at the door to decide where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forth.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap insulation flap prior to you can attach it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you get help from a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. In general, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit includes the template, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are comfortable with a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat flap double glazing food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat flap double glazing with a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out as it wants.
It is possible to install a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful when you are 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 especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.