Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure 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 is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. 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 hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is important to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. In cat flap fitters , place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You will then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw far enough to make a larger hole than you need in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.