It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
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 with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is essential 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). glass cat flap installation near me should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will put the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we always 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 save you from hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. 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've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and back.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using the use of a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting 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's securely secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to install an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one on your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.