Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, cat flap installation cost near me Repair My Windows And Doors is important that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially helpful when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be, and also to 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 in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. In general, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be sure to 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, depending on how you want it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes, so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening 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 make one on your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make a larger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.