Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting but it's simple to install with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if trapped outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in. It will also help keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly 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 size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap in the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to finish. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always recommend to consult with an expert if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not arching in any places. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Position 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 avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the opening needs to be and make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door when you're confident using the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat flap step food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat flap installation in glass doors near me using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
You can fit the flap onto a upvc door panels cat flap or glass door but it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one on your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain models of cat flap double glazing flaps come with locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are concerned about your cat flap step going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're working all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.