Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to go back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in. It will also help protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the form of your flap on the door with a jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We always suggest that you call a professional for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially useful 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 get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will help them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and back.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap will help you to determine where the opening must be and also make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is right against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut cat flap in upvc door cost 'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without to open the door for it all day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to install the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in the rain.