It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's located at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template provided to help you 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 invite it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it in or out and can protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
However, it is important 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 the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap on the door with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure 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've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine where to put the flap. Place 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 stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is flush against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with 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 circle according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once cat flap installation near me is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which permit you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.