Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in. It will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of the flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We recommend that you call a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to determine where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you 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 take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. visit the website is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. Next, if your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are confident enough to use a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you'd like it. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with 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 so you can let it out or in without keeping the door open for it all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
cat flap fitters near me is possible to fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that shows exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can create one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and are usually more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.