Fitting a Cat Flap
It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to the end. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always suggest to consult with an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is particularly useful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This makes the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position 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 properly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. window with cat flap will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
cat flap fitting near me can put in your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it pleases so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This 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 hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are generally more difficult to place. If double glazing cat flap have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even 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 and coming back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.