Fitting a Cat Flap
The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the included template as a guide when drilling. If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward it as it passes through. Take a measurement of the door A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to get back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat out or in and make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone. However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than the average. 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. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap with the aid 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 needed. The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult when you have to install it into a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we recommend hiring an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before. Measure cat flap installer near me can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather. If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it 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 are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get 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 got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and closed. You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet. It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door. Cut the Flap You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do this correctly. You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat can move through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave. Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap. You can install your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using 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 square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster. After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home. Place the Flap If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted. It is possible to put a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can affect the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been installed. The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you make a larger hole than necessary in your door. Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and might be outside all day (or night). Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.