It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it has left.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping 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 ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap in the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to put it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If cat flap installation cost are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important to measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set correctly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using the use of a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you want it. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal 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 of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can create one on your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you manage the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.