Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet move in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly 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 width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to finish. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who working all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to control when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. cat flap fitters near me is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.