The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's simple with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to finish. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. 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 have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide the best place 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 noise as it moves back and back.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the correct 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 see where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions that come 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 this as a reference point. In general, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit includes a template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not 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. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it's securely fixed. If it has caps for screws, then put these onto the protruding screws. 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 entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This lets you let it in and out as it wants.
You can fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
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 copy it to make your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. cat flap installation is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.