Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill. If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through. Measure the Door A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to move into and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to let it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out. It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount. The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you have cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to. Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We recommend to contact an expert when this is your first experience working with glass. Measure Your Cat You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you are at work. If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will be unable to use. First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom. Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will help them to get through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut. You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size. It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door. Cut the Flap Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it correctly. To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. As a general rule you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out. Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Next, if your kit has a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap. You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using the use of a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster. Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If cat flap installers near me features caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home. Install the Flap If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wants so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers). You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation. Depending on the type of cat flap you select, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than is necessary in your door. Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even at night). Some models of cat flap have locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.