Fitting A Cat Flap
It can be difficult to put up 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 the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.
However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The installation of a cat flap cover for winter flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat flap Step
You can save yourself hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat flap installation in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. 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 your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to 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 get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. If your kit includes the template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting cat flap in upvc door panel it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap installation cost near me flap have locks which let you regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.