Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple by following the correct instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if it is left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and can keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent 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 and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or less than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete 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 door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your cat flap cover for winter
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat flap In upvc door cost's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forward.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that 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 where the opening must be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this properly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat flap in bifold doors to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or replacement upvc door panels with cat flap if you are confident with a 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, depending on how you want it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. 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 getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants so you can let it out and in without keeping the door open for it all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make 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, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and might be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that let you control when your cat comes and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.