Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.

If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat flap installers out or in, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it's left.

It is crucial to make sure 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 doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.

fitting a cat flap (mouse click for source) should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We recommend that you call a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you are at work.

It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an precise measurement.

Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forth.

You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it properly.

To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to leave or enter.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. You will then be able 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 can do this yourself if you are comfortable with 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 your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been 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 seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).

It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.

The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.

Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and may be outside all day (or night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.