Repair My Windows And Doors may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home safer by letting you know when it has left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller 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 centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it into the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend to consult with an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it's essential to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forward.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with 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 a circle according to the way you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple 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. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in the rain.