Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to let it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap fitters flap is properly fitted to stop 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 stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your cat flap cost
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who working all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat flap fitting's belly as it will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and back.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in upvc door cost flap inside a door made from wood or replacement upvc door panels with cat flap, you are able to do it yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to put an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however 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 can have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It may include a mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to make your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in the rain.