It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten every 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 its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is important that the cat flap 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 your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the 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 center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using cat flap installers near me as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap with the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete 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 when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold 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. 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've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is flush against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can put it in place. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the design 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 with the use of a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Install 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 top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it pleases so you can let it out and in without holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior 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 significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you manage when your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.