Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and be able to return inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in and will also help ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, upvc door panel cat flap is important 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 other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the contour of the flap with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We recommend to contact an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any way. 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 take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover 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 cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's 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 force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because 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 the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on upvc door panels cat flap of cat flap you select, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.