Fitting A Cat Flap
fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's simple with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat flap fitters near me go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of your flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to get an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forward.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite door cat flap doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a daunting task, 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 consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap step flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or fitting a cat flap square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door fitting a cat flap or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even 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.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you manage when your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.