It may seem difficult to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to return inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and can keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful for those who work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is flush against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
cat flap fitters near me repairmywindowsanddoors of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into 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 want it. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is firmly fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used 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 holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.