The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet move into and out of your home as it pleases. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back in if trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
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. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you have cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to completion. However, the process may be a bit more difficult when you have to install it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest to contact a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forth.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting flush against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you hire a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. As a general rule, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. cat flap install repairmywindowsanddoors , your cat can move through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the use of 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 circle or square depending on the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, your cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.