It can be difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and also make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've got 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 walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a rule of thumb put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Utilize cat flap installers near me on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way 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 it is securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it out or in without to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can affect how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.