Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first experience with glass.
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 for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
It is important to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is important 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 before taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can take a precise 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 the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. The flap should be placed 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 from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated because you must ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and also 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 is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you get help from a professional cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 've determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with using a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and they are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks which let you control the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful if you work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.