It can be difficult to put up a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by 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 to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to the end. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. Position 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 making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should also consider 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 construction and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If cat flap fitting near me has a template for paper, place this 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 cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through 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. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become used to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors but it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include the template you can copy it to create your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and may be outside all day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.