Installing a cat flap might appear daunting however it's actually quite simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly 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 allow it in or out and can keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat flap glass door installation near me is taller or smaller than the 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 the flap using a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
It is important to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and back.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting [visit here] service for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. Your cat can move through the flap window with cat flap ease and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wants.
You can fit an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful when your cat flap fitters is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.