Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap installation near me flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the form of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work all day and your cat flap bifold doors is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap fitters near me flap on your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging task so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template's shape and replace it window with cat flap your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using the use of a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
You can install an animal flap inside the upvc door panels with cat flap or glass doors but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular, and are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.