Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template as a reference to drill. If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through. Take a measurement of the door A cat flap allows 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 by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to come back in if it is left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone. However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount. The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the contour of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes. Repair My Windows And Doors of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before. Measure Your Cat You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather. If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use. Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to determine an accurate measurement. Once you've determined your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth. It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size. You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will also prove beneficial. Cut the Flap Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do this properly. To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. As a general rule put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit. Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats. You can install the cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster. Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home. Place the Flap If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move in and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers). It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation. Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It may include a mounting kit and template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door. The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night). Some models of cat flap come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.