It can be difficult to put up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to go back in if it is trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It can protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is important 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). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and back.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure 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 position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly 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
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task if you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases so you can let it out or in without having to be there to open the door for it all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It's important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat might not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. cat flap installation near me are very helpful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.