Fitting A Cat Flap
It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, decide how high 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 guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat flap installers is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the form of the flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction 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 location of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a daunting task so it's recommended you engage a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it right.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes an outline you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap installation near me flap on the form of a door made of wood or upvc cat flap door panels, it is possible to do it yourself if are comfortable with the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple Cat Flap Step (Glamorouslengths.Com) flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wants.
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting a cat flap it into a wooden external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how much to install a cat flap you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can make one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make a larger hole than you need in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.