Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing official site might appear daunting however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Measure official site allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and can keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process could be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We recommend to contact a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You should also 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 are different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is flush against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with an outline you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary 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. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out or in without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. Some locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.