Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's easy to do with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a upvc door panels with cat flap door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take 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. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting flush against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident window with cat flap the jigsaw. Be sure to not 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 force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to use 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 pet has become used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that upvc door panel with cat flap and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick, it may include a mounting kit and template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that let you control when your cat flap installation bristol comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.