The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap with a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to completion. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend that you call a professional when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see the location where the opening should be, and also to ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is flush against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. Your cat can move through the flap comfortably and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit has an outline you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's 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 is made then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it features 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 are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you regulate when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful if you work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.