Fitting A Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on your door, and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's position 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 markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We recommend to consult with a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
It is important to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to measure your cat flap bifold doors correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can take a precise 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 measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting - read more on Valetinowiki`s official blog, service for this step should you not have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and make sure that 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 aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in a replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door or a glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that upvc door panel replacement cat flap doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one yourself. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and may be outside all day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful when you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.