It may seem difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet come and go inside and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of the flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will help them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. As a general rule put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the use of a Jigsaw. Be upvc door panel replacement cat flap not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around 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 open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wants, so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to install an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.