Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and will also help keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it in a upvc cat flap door panels 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 the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can get an accurate 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 the measurement of your cat flap installer near me, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional window cat flap flap fitter for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. In general, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't 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 select, it may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. If not, your window cat flap may not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.