Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap might appear daunting however it's actually quite simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back inside if trapped outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to allow it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop 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 to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always suggest that you call an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their 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 the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. 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 try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple 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 try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can copy it to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which let you control when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. cat flap cost near me can also be helpful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.