Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it gets enough exercise and be able to return inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in. It can also ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the flap's position 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. Using the marking as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After cutting the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to the end. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it on the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
It is important to measure your cat first before attempting to install. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will help them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
cat flap installer can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening must be and make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a rule of thumb you should place 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 difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wishes.
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It may include a mounting kit and template that shows you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of 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, 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 use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.