Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template included to help you drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap step flap is an excellent option to let your pet move in and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat flap installation cost near me in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it in or out and can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.

It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down 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. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.

Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always recommend that you call a professional when this is your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.

If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may be unable to use.

First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to get an accurate measurement.

Once you have your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.

It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be and also ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how much to install a cat flap to do it correctly.

You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit has an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.

If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way 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 flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that 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 use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.

It is possible to fit a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's installed.

The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to create your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).

Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.