Chengcarpenter2705
The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to return inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the form of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. cat flap install is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to measure the right way or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will help them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can install it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. In general put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. 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 entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple 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. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Based on the type of cat flap you select, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.