Fitting a Cat Flap
It may seem difficult 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). Note this on your door and use the template included to help you drill. If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through. Take a measurement of the door A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home safe by letting you know when it's left. It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is placed 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 belly as well as the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average. The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required. The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to completion. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first experience working with glass. Measure Your Cat You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather. If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may find it difficult to use. First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement. Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and back. It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size. You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door will be very helpful. Cut the Flap Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do it correctly. You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. In general you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap with ease and also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out. Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap. If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster. Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If the flap has screw caps 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 there aren't any draughts getting into your home. Place the Flap If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out as it wishes. It is possible to fit a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. Repair My Windows And Doors can 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 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. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door. Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left in the open all day (or even night). Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you control when 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 coming back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.