Fitting A Cat Flap
It can be difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then 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 wonderful way to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to the end. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked 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 when you're at working all day and your cat flap installation bristol is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should 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 placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become used to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This lets you let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to put the flap inside an upvc door panel replacement cat flap door or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass cat flap installation near me doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.