Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting, but it is fairly simple with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home as it pleases. This can help keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat out or in and make your home safe by letting you know when it has left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap using the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend to contact an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can get a precise 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 figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Position 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 prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you engage a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using 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. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way 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 the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to put a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be 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 an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If just click the up coming website does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than you need 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 right location on your door as if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.