Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Note this on the door and use the template as a reference to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat flap double glazing healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if it is trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat flap in upvc door cost out or in, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it's left.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.

Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert for your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the 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 have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.

It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, replacement upvc door panel with cat flap and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.

Cut the Flap

You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.

You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and 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 with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.

You can put in your cat flap cost near me flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions 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. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering 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 outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wants, so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).

It is possible to put a cat flap in a upvc door panel replacement cat flap door or a glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's installed.

Depending on the model of cat flap you pick, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw far enough to make a larger hole than necessary in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).

Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.