Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly easy to do with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it in or out and will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone 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 height of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap with a Jigsaw. After cutting Recommended Internet page sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make back door with cat flap fitted that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We recommend that you call a professional for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is essential to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. 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, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly because it will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also avoid the flap making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be and also make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. back door with cat flap fitted is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with 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 will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).
You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It could be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful when you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.