Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's easy to do with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out 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 complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. Repair My Windows And Doors UK is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forward.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be and also make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it right.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit includes the template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't 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 the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so 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 are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.