Fitting A Cat Flap
The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in. It can also protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap installation cost near me flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. 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 get an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and forward.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is set correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do this properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with 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 your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wishes so you can let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to install the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the upvc door panel with cat flap doors with cat flap and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap installation Bristol flap you choose, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.