The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's simple to install with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet leave and come into and out of your home as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back inside if left outside in bad 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 safe by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After cutting the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. However, cat flap fitting near me could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to determine where 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 stop the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This makes the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is placed properly on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using the use of 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'd like it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make a larger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.