Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet leave and come into and out of your home whenever it likes. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if it is left outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to 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 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 a cat flap is not as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to the end. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend to contact an expert if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. her explanation will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot 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 all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however 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 the door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.