The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting but it's simple with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This will keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. However, the process can be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always suggest to consult with an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to 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 base of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to 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 has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to install the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.