Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill. If you have a small kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward it when it goes through. Take a measurement of 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 keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and also make your home secure by notifying you when it has left. It is crucial that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter 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 be installing the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required. The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire task from start to finish. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before. Measure Your Cat You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in all weathers. It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use. First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. 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've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop 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 can be very different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet. You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be, and also to 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 placed perfectly against the door. Cut the Flap Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. cat flap installers can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do this correctly. You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out. Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap. If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster. Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home. Install 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. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weathers). It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed. The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door. Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left in the open all day (or even night). Some cat flaps have locks which permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. Some locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.