Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating, but it is fairly easy to do with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure Repair My Windows And Doors lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After cutting the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin 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 and not bending in any place. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to fit a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one on your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.