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The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to move inside and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and also make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. cat flap installation is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to completion. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat may be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can get an accurate 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 measurement then you can examine the door to determine where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. cat flap install is the average height of the belly for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident using the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wants.
You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It could come with its own mounting kit and template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.