It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. We recommend to contact a professional for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. 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 get an precise measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must consider 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 design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you hire a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn 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 a reference point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using a pencil. If your kit has an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to 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 force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If cat flap fitting have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that allow you to manage when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.