It might seem daunting to set up the flap for your cat but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in and make your home safe by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the contour of the flap on the door with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to finish. However, the process can be a bit more difficult when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at working all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to 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 without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is right against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. In general put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. 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 inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes, so you can let it in or out without to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger 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 install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to access it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.