Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template provided to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet move inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly 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 entrance to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust 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 centre of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap with the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We always suggest that you call a professional when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to get an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to put the flap. It is advisable to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
cat flap installation cost near me will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated since you have to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
The position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. These can be very useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.