Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet move in and out of your home whenever it likes. This can 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 outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out and also make your home secure by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the form of the flap on the door with a jigsaw. After you've cut 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 is a bit more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate 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's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. 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.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. As a general rule put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. Your cat can move through the flap with ease and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically 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. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it wants.
You can install a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can affect how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It could be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. When cutting, Repair My Windows And Doors to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are 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 in the event that 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 models of cat flaps have locks which allow you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.