Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to set up a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to come and go into and out of your home as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in and can protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly 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 belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use back door with cat flap fitted -level to mark the middle of the door. glass cat flap installation near me is where you will put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before attempting to install. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will help them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you get help from a professional cat flap fitting service for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. In general you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door when you're confident using the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wants so you can let it out and in without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes and goes. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in the rain.