It can be difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a young 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 way to allow your pet to move in and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always recommend that you call an expert if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can take 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 got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine 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 help them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forward.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult as 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 position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of 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 stomach for cats. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to leave or enter.
The position of the cat flap 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 every corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wishes, so you can let it out or in without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions).
You can install a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It may come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct 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).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Some locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.