Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a guide 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 allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home as it wants. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's gone.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. Once cat flap fitters near me Repair My Windows And Doors cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to finish. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always suggest to consult with a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging job so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent 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 cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open for it all day (and possibly in any weather).
You can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.