Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's easy to do with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult when you have to install it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always suggest to consult with an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap installers near me flap on your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it's important to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a daunting job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in an upvc door panel replacement cat flap or wood door when you're confident using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes so you can let it in or out without to open the door for it all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to install the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one on your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you manage the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back in the dark. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in the rain.