Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move inside and out of your house as it wants. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is trapped outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We recommend to contact a professional if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a simple task, but it's essential to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and back.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This makes the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. In general, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. cat flap fitting near me can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. cat flap in upvc door panel can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful if you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.