It may seem difficult to install 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, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to 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 allow it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet come and go in and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if left outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process can be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always recommend to consult with a professional if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside in all weathers while you are at work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to put the flap. It is advisable to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and back.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front 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 should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit and template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one on your own. cat flap installers near me to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that let you control when your cat comes and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.