It might seem daunting to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your house as it pleases. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to go back in if left outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home secure by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. Once upvc door panels cat flap have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire job from start to the end. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We recommend to contact a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will help them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. In general you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Be cautious 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 depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wishes so you can let it out and in without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you manage the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.
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