Fitting a cat flap can 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 the belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to go back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.

However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent 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 as well as the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.

The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We recommend that you call an expert for your first time working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you are at work.

If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.

Once you've determined your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.

You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find a template drawing that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting flush against the door will be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.

You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. cat flap installer will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.

If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough 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 help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.

It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.

Based on the type of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit and a template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).

Some cat flaps have locks which let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in the rain.
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