Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's easy to do with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap installation cost near me flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it has gone out.

However, it is essential that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.

The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to completion. However, the process can be slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how much to install a cat flap the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always suggest that you call an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.

It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you've determined your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.

You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door cat flap door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure 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 position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door can prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.

You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.

Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.

If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.

Install the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out as it wishes.

It is possible to put a cat flap in a upvc door panel replacement cat flap door or a glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one on 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 significant impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It may include a mounting kit and a template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.

Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat flap installation might not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).

Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.