Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple by following the correct instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in. It will also help ensure your home is secure by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to finish. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the cat flap double glazing's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to first measure your cat flap in Upvc door Cost before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat flap glass door installation near me correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat flap bifold doors may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to decide where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will help them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to see the location where the opening should be and cat flap in Upvc door cost make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is sitting right against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat flap step will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it should be able to go in and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can copy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular and these are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful if you're worried about your pet going out at night and Cat Flap In upvc door cost then coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.