Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the right instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a reference to drill. If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes. Measure the Door A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in. It will also help protect your home by letting you know when it's been out. However, it is important that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount. Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of your flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any 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 finish the entire job from start to completion. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before. Measure Your Cat A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is particularly useful if you are at working all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers. It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your pet will be unable to use. First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail can allow you to get an precise measurement. Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and closed. You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size. You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door. Cut the Flap Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order 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 for this job should you not have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly. You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out. Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Next, if your kit includes an outline of 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 the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap. If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster. After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home. Fit the Flap If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted. It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can affect how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has installed. Depending on the type of cat flap you pick, it may include a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can copy it to make your own. cat flap installation near me not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door. The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and might be outside all day (or at night). Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.