Fitting A Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly easy to do with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move into and out of your house as it likes. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
However, it is important that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap using the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat flap cover for winter 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 measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will help them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat flap installation cost's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with a template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You should then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Be cautious 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 depending on the way you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit a cat flap in upvc door panel flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and they are typically more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps - Https://speedgh.com/index.php?page=user&action=pub_profile&id=1417281 - have locks that allow you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.
