Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). cat flap installers near me on your door and then use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway in your home to make sure 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 center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get an accurate 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 on where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and back.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This can make the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be and also make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a general rule put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically 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. cat flap double glazing and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make cat flap installers near me that it is solidly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out or in without to open the door for it all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't 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 circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.