Fitting A Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap installation cost flap is an excellent method to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside when it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat go in and out and also make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
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 any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of the flap with the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to finish. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it on the form of a upvc door panels cat flap door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We recommend to contact a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forward.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come window with cat flap the kit to find 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 positioned properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is right against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting - understanding - service to complete this task if you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap insulation flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with using a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push 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 aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to 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 as it's wanted.
You can install a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door, because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.