Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a Cat Flap (menwiki.Men) can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how much to install a cat flap high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to allow it out or in. It can also ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the form of a upvc door panel with cat flap door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat may be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
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 at the height of your cat's stomach as this will help them to get through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap installation cost near me flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit has the template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with the 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 a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not push 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 designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded in the open all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back door with cat flap fitted in the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.