Fitting A Cat Flap
fitting a cat flap (information from Instructure) can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it has left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat flap step is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the form of your flap with the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to the end. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We recommend to contact an expert for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can take 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 have your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back door with cat flap fitted and forward.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or Fitting A Cat Flap composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you engage a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit comes with a template, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become used to moving through wall cat flap the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that replacement upvc door panel with cat flap doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one on your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are generally more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which let you control the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.