Fitting a Cat Flap
The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home as it pleases. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it out or in and will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's position 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 where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It might seem like a simple task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and also make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door.
cat flap installer is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. In general put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit includes the template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. After that, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using a Jigsaw. Be cautious 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 square or a circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting 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 firmly fixed. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out and in without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick, it may include a mounting kit and template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can copy it to make your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger 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 generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.