The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to come back in if it is left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat in or 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 it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After cutting the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
You should 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 construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. You can also read the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. In general, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit includes the template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do 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. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once cat flap installers Repair My Windows And Doors has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.