Fitting a Cat Flap
It may seem difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to get back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to allow it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will put the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure 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've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide 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 prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and back.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
how much to install a cat flap can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can attach it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors but it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who 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.