Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This will keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat out or in and make your home safer by notifying you when it's gone.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the contour of the flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
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 task from start to completion. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. content will enable you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once cat flap double glazing is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there to open the door for it all day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to install an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
window with cat flap have locks that let you regulate when your cat can enter and leave. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.