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Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating, but it is fairly easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back inside if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
Installing how much to install a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurement, it's time to look at 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 walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
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 could make the process of fitting the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the skills or experience to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit has an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Fit 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 using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors but it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden 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 will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It may include a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one yourself. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.