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It may seem difficult to set up the flap for your cat, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet leave and come in and out of your house as it likes. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and can keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust 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 centre of the door where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process can be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the 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 important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. 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 have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is right against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like it. how much to install a cat flap and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is securely secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it wishes.
You can install a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door 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 can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
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's important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.