Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door, and use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and be able to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After cutting cat flap fitters near me out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always recommend that you call an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. window cat flap of thumb is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is 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 fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any 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 a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These are 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 engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in the rain.