Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's simple with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial 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 entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to finish. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend that you call an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your cat Flap bifold Doors
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at working all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get a precise 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 measurement, it's time to look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You should think about the thickness of the upvc door panel with cat flap fitted or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite door cat flap doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Then, if your kit includes a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap installation near me flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes, so you can let it out or in without to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even 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 model of cat flap cost flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flap glass door installation near me flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.