Fitting A Cat Flap
The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat Flap installation bristol healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on the case of a upvc door panel replacement cat flap door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to get an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and back.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, upvc door panel with cat flap or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be and ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap cost flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the double glazing cat flap flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat window with cat flap a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out as it wants.
It is possible to put an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you manage when your cat comes and goes. These are useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.