The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
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. With the markings as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you have cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with an expert if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at working all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
cat flap fitters is essential to first measure your cat before attempting to install. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This is a difficult task 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 consult the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to install an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one on your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left in the open all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.