Fitting a Cat Flap
It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
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 healthy since it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. cat flap installation cost can reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
It is important to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement then you can look at the door to determine where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forth.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. 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 because you must ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be and also make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using 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, depending on how you want it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in 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 in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open for it all day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It could be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can copy it to make your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, the cat can't 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 can enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.