Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting but it's simple to install with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent method to allow your pet to move in and out of your home whenever it likes. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the case of a upvc door panel with cat flap door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to contact a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work all day and your cat flap fitting has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat flap installers is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where 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 the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because it will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and back.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not 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 the way you want it. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on 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 that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat flaps for french doors is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.
It is possible to fit a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Certain cat flap fitters flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful if you work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.