Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the shape of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to finish. However, the process could be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. In general you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. After upvc door panel replacement cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors , you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it wishes.
You can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can affect how you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to control when your cat comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.