Fitting A Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside if 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 make your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the form of the flap with the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is the reason 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
A cat flap can save you from hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you measure your cat flap bifold doors before attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. 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 determined your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and forth.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This makes fitting a flap for your cat flap step more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a daunting job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a general rule, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on 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 that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without to open the door for it all day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one yourself. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat flap in bifold doors might not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction permitting 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.