Fitting A Cat Flap
The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's simple by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your pet will be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat flap step is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can take 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've got your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine 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 prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forward.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the upvc cat flap door panels door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This makes the installation of a flap for your cat flap installation bristol (click through the next article) more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the opening needs to be and make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is flush against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. As a general rule, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself on an replacement upvc door panels with cat flap or wood door when you're confident using 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 square or circle, depending on how you'd like it. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit 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 in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat flap installation cost is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting cat flap in upvc door panel it into a wooden external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit and template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.