It can be difficult to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on your door, and use the template provided to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to come and go into and out of your home as it pleases. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It can protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process could be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We recommend that you call an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. cat flap fitters is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can take a precise 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 your cat's measurement, it's time 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 walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. Next, if your kit includes an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with a jigsaw. Be sure to 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 the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
You can fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that allow you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.