Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the right instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.

If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's left.

It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.

The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.

It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.

First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to determine an precise measurement.

Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap 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 all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is flush against the door will be extremely helpful.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.

You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.

Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, cat flap fitters near me Repair My Windows And Doors should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.

You can install the cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.

Install the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet 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 cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wishes, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).

It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.

The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.

Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).

Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Some locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.
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