Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to move into and out of your home whenever it pleases. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After cutting the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
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. While it may seem an easy task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can take 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've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While mouse click the next article are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it right.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using the use of a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't 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's securely secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out and in without having to be there to open the door for it all day (and possibly in any weather).
You can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a wood external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a major 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 that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. It's important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.