Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home as it pleases. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap using a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to finish. click through the next internet site is a bit more challenging if you need to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First of double glazing cat flap , make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. 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 have the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do 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 want it. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it out or in without to open the door for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one in 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 affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Based on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit and template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.