It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take upvc door panels with cat flap of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home whenever it likes. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap with a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to finish. However, the process can be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We recommend to contact a professional if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. The flap should be placed 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 a lot noise as it swings back and back.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all 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 ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is placed properly on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and ensure that it's securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard 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 try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This will allow you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.