Installing a cat flap might appear daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet move in and out of your house as it wants. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat out or in, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Using 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 and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill cat flap in bifold doors .
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always suggest that you call a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at work all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although fitting a cat flap in a upvc door might appear to be an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your cat will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is placed properly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a daunting job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly 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.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount 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 cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful 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.
cat flap in bifold doors