Fitting A Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat flap installation bristol out or in, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap with a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. We recommend to contact an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening must be and make sure that the template is placed correctly 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 will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional Cat flap fitting; telegra.ph, service for this job should you not have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. In general put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes a template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through 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 the way you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is securely fixed. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Some cat flap installation bristol flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that 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 stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in the rain.