Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting but it's easy to do with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always suggest to consult with an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your window cat flap's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be and ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. As a general rule, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes a template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or upvc door panel with cat flap fitted, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out and in without to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to install an animal flap into the replacement upvc door panels with cat flap doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or Fitting A Cat Flap square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, your cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which let you control when your cat flap install comes in and goes. They are helpful for Fitting a cat flap pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.